Part 1 of the Child Outcomes Summary (COS) provides an introduction to the COS process, describes children’s functioning in the three outcome areas, and explores the five areas of essential knowledge that teams need to complete the COS process. In this session, you will gain an understanding of:
Why outcomes data is collected and the importance of program improvement
The three child outcomes
Age-expected child development
Key features of a COS process
Age expectations for child functioning within the family’s culture
How to use the rating scale
Part 2 will review key features of the COS process and the required information to successfully complete the process. Participants will complete application activities and explore the requirements and resources specific to state policies about collecting child outcomes data. In this session, you will gain an understanding of:
When to complete the COS process
Utilizing the decision tree, a tool to help distinguish between the ratings
How to complete required forms
Effective COS teaming practices and how they lead to accurate ratings
How to support active participation by all COS team members, including families
How to promote team discussions about a child’s functioning