Early Childhood Developmental Screenings: Predictors of Screening Referral Completion

• Other Authors: Jennings, Danielle J. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Teachers > Training of
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4928

ABSTRACT Developmental screening programs identify young children with delayed skill growth or challenging behaviors and refer them to community agencies for evaluation or other services. This research studied the predictive impact of developmental screening results and child and family characteristics on the completion of these referrals for evaluation. A retrospective review of records tracked the status of a cross-section of children receiving referrals to determine which types of screening results and child and family characteristics lead to children receiving recommended evaluations. Records of 138 young children up to five years old who received a referral for evaluation from the community developmental screening program held in Tallahassee, Florida, between April, 2010, and April, 2011, were reviewed for inclusion in this study. Demographic variables, screening results and referral completion rates were collected during a retrospective review of child screening records and agency client records. Data from child records and referral agencies were used to examine statistical relationships between child screening results, child and family characteristics, and referral completion using logistical and hierarchical logistic regression analysis to determine the significance of variables to predict referral completion. Number of concerns was most significant in predicting referral completion outcomes. Referrals with health concerns or social-emotional concerns in screening results were predictive of no completion. The most significant child and family factors related to referral completion were child gender and race. White females completed significantly more screening referrals than other child demographic profiles. === A Dissertation submitted to the School of Teacher Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester, 2012. === March 26, 2012. === Developmental Screening, Early Childhood Assessment, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Referral Completion, Screening Results === Includes bibliographical references. === Mary Frances Hanline, Professor Directing Dissertation; Juliann Woods, University Representative; Ithel Jones, Committee Member; Jeanne Wanzek, Committee Member.