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 a 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 the 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