When in Doubt, Reach Out

Genevieve, a new teacher in the toddler room at Caring Connections early childhood center, is excited to meet her coworkers and the children in her classroom. Genevieve's first day is fun, yet exhausting, and she loves interacting with the children. Over the next several weeks, Genevieve spends time getting to know the children and their families. She enjoys learning about each child's personality and their favorite activities. Alex is a 2-year-old in Genevieve's class. Alex currently receives early intervention services due to concerns with his communication and social and emotional development. Alex's family has shared his Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with Joy, the director of Caring Connections, and Genevieve has reviewed it. Still, she has several questions, including how to help Alex play with his peers and communicate when he is upset. Dani, a speech-language pathologist, works with Alex every Thursday at the center, and Maura is an occupational therapist who sees Alex at home on Monday evenings. Genevieve knows that Alex's family has a social worker as part of the team, but she doesn't know when they meet. Genevieve wants to support Alex's participation in the classroom. She wants to work with the specialists, but she isn't sure where to begin. She talks with Joy, and they decide to ask Alex's parents, Audrey and Xavier, if they can schedule a meeting.