Childcare Centre Identified Red Flags? Here’s What You Need to Know!

As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are developing on track. But with so much information out there, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know what milestones to look for and when to seek support. Fortunately, there are two great tools available to help parents in York Region monitor their child’s development and access early intervention services when needed: the Looksee Checklist and the Early Referral Identification Kit (ERIK).

What is the Looksee Checklist?

The Looksee Checklist, developed by the NDDS (Nipissing District Developmental Screen), is a simple and easy-to-use tool that helps track your child’s development from one month to six years of age. By using this checklist, you can gain a clearer understanding of typical developmental milestones in areas such as:

• Communication

• Gross and fine motor skills

• Social and emotional skills

• Self-help abilities

• Learning and thinking skills

Parents can create a free account to download these checklists and use them as a guide to monitor their child’s progress. If concerns arise, the checklist also provides guidance on next steps, including discussing any delays with healthcare providers or early intervention specialists.

What is the Early Referral Identification Kit (ERIK)?

For parents who have concerns about their child’s development, the Early Referral Identification Kit (ERIK) serves as both a screening tool and a referral document for York Region Early Intervention Services. This means that if a child is showing signs of developmental delays, the ERIK can help identify these concerns early and facilitate access to specialized support services.

York Region Early Intervention Services provides free support for children from birth to school entry who may have delays in their development. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s progress and long-term success, so using tools like the Looksee Checklist and ERIK ensures that children receive the help they need as soon as possible.

How The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services Can Help

Navigating these tools and understanding what they mean for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming. At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we are here to help parents:

• Access and understand the Looksee Checklist and ERIK to identify areas of need.

• Interpret developmental milestones and determine when additional support may be beneficial.

• Provide direct support to help children develop essential skills in the areas where they need it most.

We work closely with families to create individualized strategies that foster growth and development, ensuring children receive the guidance they need to thrive.

Why Early Identification Matters

Early identification and intervention are key to helping children reach their full potential. Research shows that the earlier developmental concerns are addressed, the better the outcomes for the child’s learning, social skills, and overall well-being. By using these tools and working with The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, parents can feel empowered to take an active role in their child’s development and ensure they receive the necessary support when needed.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development or need assistance navigating these tools, The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services is here to help. Reach out to us for guidance and support on your parenting journey!