Checklist for Quality Practices

The quality practices highlighted in the checklist are organized into four sections:

• Planning for the COS
• Explaining the COS to Families
• Understanding Child Functioning
• Building Consensus for High-Quality COS Ratings

There is also a section on quality interactive practices that are not specific to the COS process. Review and rate those practices for each of the videos to learn effective practices for teaming and interaction.

Visit the web page for each of these sections to learn more and to download the checklist.

Descriptions and Examples

To support use of the checklist and promote quality COS implementation, a description of each of the quality practices on the COS-TC checklist is provided along with examples that illustrate the practice.

• The narrative descriptions define each quality practice (What it is) and provide supplemental background information (More about it).
• The examples offer ways to introduce the different COS discussion points with team members. They illustrate team-based planning processes for two children, Norton and Emanuel, about whom different levels of information have been gathered and shared.
  - In the Norton examples the team has less information about the child’s functioning for each of the outcome areas.
  - In the Emanuel examples the team has gathered, shared, and discussed the COS process in prior meetings and interactions (i.e., during the evaluation, completion of the Routines-Based Interview, and sharing of written information about the COS process). These examples are also more closely aligned with an annual or exit COS rating process, as much information is already available about his functioning relative to each outcome.

Video Clip Activities

• The video clips contain real-life excerpts of COS meetings with families. Each clip illustrates a different component of the COS process and is aligned with one of the four sections of the COS-TC COS-TC Quality Practices Checklist and Descriptions. These clips illustrate both quality practices as well as missed opportunities. They are intended to support providers in assessing and reviewing their practices. They are not to be used to assess family participation.
• Viewers can complete an interactive checklist while watching each video clip to reflect on their observations and reactions. Viewers can also download and print the COS-TC checklist and complete it using paper and pencil.
• Along with each video clip, reflect on the 'questions to consider' and review a completed checklist that highlights specific teaching and learning points. Consider these ideas yourself or use them as a guide for technical assistance providers to facilitate discussion and reflection during training activities.
• NOTE: Due to limited availability, all videos show Early Intervention settings. However, the concepts apply equally well regardless of the age of the child.