What should a child care provider always do?

• A. Only monitor when concerns arise
• B. Be on the lookout for signs of developmental delays and know how to deal with children experiencing developmental delays
• C. Diagnose delays themselves
• D. Refer all concerns to doctors

Answer: (B)

Regular, ongoing observation of each child’s development is essential in a child care setting. A provider should continually watch for signs that a child may be developing differently, noting patterns across communication, movement, social skills, and learning. When something seems off, the right step is to discuss concerns with the family, use appropriate screening tools if available, and refer to a health or developmental professional for a formal evaluation. This collaborative process helps start supports early, which can improve outcomes. It’s important to remember that diagnosing delays is not the provider’s role, and not every worry requires a referral to a doctor; many concerns can be addressed through screening, observation, and targeted in‑class strategies with family input. Continuous, proactive monitoring plus appropriate referrals and collaboration with families and professionals is the best practice.