DCF CHILD CARE CERTIFICATION
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Childcare professionals should: - ANSWER -select the right screening tools, ask the
right questions, follow guidelines and best practices, involve families
checklist - ANSWER -a list of skills and abilities to be observed.
anecdotal record - ANSWER -write about the development of a skill or ability after it has
occured
conversations - ANSWER -word for word accounts of what children said while being
interviewed by a provider
can be phonetically, non verbal communication and body language also included
document children's ability to translate words into thoughts
documentation - ANSWER -everything in a child's file
in regards to observation- refers to records that help identify a child who may be at risk
of maltreatment, delay, disability or to relay a suspicion of child abuse
frequency count - ANSWER -how often a behavior happens
identify how often behaviors to be addressed or accommodated
running record - ANSWER -write about what is happening while you are observing
standardized test - ANSWER -compare a child's development to other children of the
same age. ability to compare contrast, solve problems, classify objects, put things in
order, arrive at conclusions tested
time sample - ANSWER -document children's attention span. how much time they
spend doing an activity
work sample - ANSWER -observe a child's skill by using a product they have created
can be 2d (drawing or writing) 3d (sculpture)
could be a photograph or video of child building or recording of them singing or telling a
story
rating scale - ANSWER -used to measure behavior, skill, ability based on a series of
quality points or a continuum
,Child care professionals do not - ANSWER -diagnose
at risk - ANSWER -describe a condition or situation of vulnerability or of being in danger
at-risk - ANSWER -before a person or thing that is vulnerable or in danger
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - ANSWER -Mandates that children
with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
Who is at Risk? - ANSWER -Males, living in poverty are at the highest risk for
developmental delay or disability
Developmental disability - ANSWER -chronic condition that is diagnosed in childhood
and substantially limits major life activities in adulthood, and impacts a child's abilities to
perform activities in one or more developmental domain
Autism - ANSWER -a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social
impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted and repetitive patterns of
behavior
Down syndrome - ANSWER -a genetic disorder characterized by distinct physical traits
and intellectual impairments
Genetic disorders - ANSWER -conditions that are due to an abnormality in the way a
body's cells are structures. if it is genetic it is present at birth, even if not diagnosed at
the time
Distinct physical - ANSWER -traits refers to similar facial and body features shared by
people with down syndrome
Intellectual impairments - ANSWER -means that people with Down Syndrome may have
a difficult time understanding and processing info
Self-help skills - ANSWER -are a wide variety of abilities that are useful in every day life.
Also know as adaptive behavior or adaptive skills
ADHD - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and/or
hyperactivity
Cerebral Palsy - ANSWER -a disorder that affects body movement and muscle
coordination
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - ANSWER -a syndrome characterized deformities in the joints,
fingers, and limbs; atypical behavior, learning disorders; and cognitive impairment
,Autism Spectrum - ANSWER -a group of disorders characterized by social and
communication impairments and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior
Cognitive Disabilities - ANSWER -disabilities that affects self-help skills and the way the
brain processes info
Fragile X Syndrome - ANSWER -a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability and
behavior disorders, more prevalent and severe in males
Bipolar Disorder - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by extreme mood swings and
shifts in energy
Phenylketonuria (PKU) - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by delays in motor
development and seizures, it often appears in conjunction with a behavioral disorder
The goal of the Infant and Toddler Appropriate Practices course - ANSWER -is to guide
child care professionals responsible for the care of children birth through 36 months
through the principles of developmentally appropriate practice.
Infant - ANSWER -"infant" comes from the Latin word "infans" which means unable or
incapable of speech.
first stage of their life, until around 18 months of age.
Toddler - ANSWER -"toddle" means "to walk with short tottering steps," which makes a
toddler a child who is just learning to walk. The term toddler is usually used to refer to
children from 18 to 36 months.
Infant and Toddler Divisions - ANSWER -The Florida Department of Education Office of
Early Learning divides infants and toddlers into the following divisions: Birth to 8
months, 8 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, and two-year-olds.
Primary concern for infants - ANSWER -At this stage the primary concern for infants is
secure attachments formed through close relationships with parents and caregivers who
make them feel safe and secure.
Primary concern for toddlers - ANSWER -Toddlers seek to gain independence and
control through more purposeful exploration. A budding sense of self comes from
repeated opportunities to explore how the world works. Understanding who they are and
how things work is a dominant theme for toddlers.
3 Common Infant/Toddler Personality Types - ANSWER -Flexible, Feisty, Fearful
, Why do childcare professionals observe and screen children? - ANSWER -So they can
facilitate the growth and development of every child in their program, detect early signs
of development, delay or disability, and identify signs of child abuse or neglect.
Observation - ANSWER -an ongoing process in which child care professionals
recognize and document identifiable developmental milestones as they appear using
tools such as checklists, anecdotal records, and running records
Screening - ANSWER -is an ongoing process in which child care professionals use
specialized observation and documentation tools to identify, document, and monitor
typical development or possible developmental delay
Developmental milestones - ANSWER -are observable behaviors, traits, skills, or
abilities that typically appear at specific age ranges
3 main reasons child care programs observe and screen children are to: - ANSWER --
foster growth and development
- detect early signs of delay
-identify signs of child abuse or neglect
Early intervention - ANSWER -a system of services that helps children who have a
developmental disability or delay
Atypical - ANSWER -same as not typical or not expected
Mandatory Reporters - ANSWER -people that must identify themselves and must report
suspected abuse or neglect
Documented evidence - ANSWER -written data collected by the program
Observation session - ANSWER -trained adult monitors a child as they demonstrate
identified skills or abilities within a developmental domain, in their natural environment
Developmental Domain - ANSWER -Characterize children's skills and abilties
-Physical Health and Motor Development
-Cognitive Development and General Knowledge
-Language and Communication
-Social and Emotional
-Approaches to learning
Natural Environment - ANSWER -places the child would typically be such as home, the
child care program, school, rather than a directors office or doctors office.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice - ANSWER -research based framework based on
meeting children where they are individually, chronologically, and culturally
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Childcare professionals should: - ANSWER -select the right screening tools, ask the
right questions, follow guidelines and best practices, involve families
checklist - ANSWER -a list of skills and abilities to be observed.
anecdotal record - ANSWER -write about the development of a skill or ability after it has
occured
conversations - ANSWER -word for word accounts of what children said while being
interviewed by a provider
can be phonetically, non verbal communication and body language also included
document children's ability to translate words into thoughts
documentation - ANSWER -everything in a child's file
in regards to observation- refers to records that help identify a child who may be at risk
of maltreatment, delay, disability or to relay a suspicion of child abuse
frequency count - ANSWER -how often a behavior happens
identify how often behaviors to be addressed or accommodated
running record - ANSWER -write about what is happening while you are observing
standardized test - ANSWER -compare a child's development to other children of the
same age. ability to compare contrast, solve problems, classify objects, put things in
order, arrive at conclusions tested
time sample - ANSWER -document children's attention span. how much time they
spend doing an activity
work sample - ANSWER -observe a child's skill by using a product they have created
can be 2d (drawing or writing) 3d (sculpture)
could be a photograph or video of child building or recording of them singing or telling a
story
rating scale - ANSWER -used to measure behavior, skill, ability based on a series of
quality points or a continuum
,Child care professionals do not - ANSWER -diagnose
at risk - ANSWER -describe a condition or situation of vulnerability or of being in danger
at-risk - ANSWER -before a person or thing that is vulnerable or in danger
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - ANSWER -Mandates that children
with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
Who is at Risk? - ANSWER -Males, living in poverty are at the highest risk for
developmental delay or disability
Developmental disability - ANSWER -chronic condition that is diagnosed in childhood
and substantially limits major life activities in adulthood, and impacts a child's abilities to
perform activities in one or more developmental domain
Autism - ANSWER -a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social
impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted and repetitive patterns of
behavior
Down syndrome - ANSWER -a genetic disorder characterized by distinct physical traits
and intellectual impairments
Genetic disorders - ANSWER -conditions that are due to an abnormality in the way a
body's cells are structures. if it is genetic it is present at birth, even if not diagnosed at
the time
Distinct physical - ANSWER -traits refers to similar facial and body features shared by
people with down syndrome
Intellectual impairments - ANSWER -means that people with Down Syndrome may have
a difficult time understanding and processing info
Self-help skills - ANSWER -are a wide variety of abilities that are useful in every day life.
Also know as adaptive behavior or adaptive skills
ADHD - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and/or
hyperactivity
Cerebral Palsy - ANSWER -a disorder that affects body movement and muscle
coordination
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - ANSWER -a syndrome characterized deformities in the joints,
fingers, and limbs; atypical behavior, learning disorders; and cognitive impairment
,Autism Spectrum - ANSWER -a group of disorders characterized by social and
communication impairments and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior
Cognitive Disabilities - ANSWER -disabilities that affects self-help skills and the way the
brain processes info
Fragile X Syndrome - ANSWER -a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability and
behavior disorders, more prevalent and severe in males
Bipolar Disorder - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by extreme mood swings and
shifts in energy
Phenylketonuria (PKU) - ANSWER -a disorder characterized by delays in motor
development and seizures, it often appears in conjunction with a behavioral disorder
The goal of the Infant and Toddler Appropriate Practices course - ANSWER -is to guide
child care professionals responsible for the care of children birth through 36 months
through the principles of developmentally appropriate practice.
Infant - ANSWER -"infant" comes from the Latin word "infans" which means unable or
incapable of speech.
first stage of their life, until around 18 months of age.
Toddler - ANSWER -"toddle" means "to walk with short tottering steps," which makes a
toddler a child who is just learning to walk. The term toddler is usually used to refer to
children from 18 to 36 months.
Infant and Toddler Divisions - ANSWER -The Florida Department of Education Office of
Early Learning divides infants and toddlers into the following divisions: Birth to 8
months, 8 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, and two-year-olds.
Primary concern for infants - ANSWER -At this stage the primary concern for infants is
secure attachments formed through close relationships with parents and caregivers who
make them feel safe and secure.
Primary concern for toddlers - ANSWER -Toddlers seek to gain independence and
control through more purposeful exploration. A budding sense of self comes from
repeated opportunities to explore how the world works. Understanding who they are and
how things work is a dominant theme for toddlers.
3 Common Infant/Toddler Personality Types - ANSWER -Flexible, Feisty, Fearful
, Why do childcare professionals observe and screen children? - ANSWER -So they can
facilitate the growth and development of every child in their program, detect early signs
of development, delay or disability, and identify signs of child abuse or neglect.
Observation - ANSWER -an ongoing process in which child care professionals
recognize and document identifiable developmental milestones as they appear using
tools such as checklists, anecdotal records, and running records
Screening - ANSWER -is an ongoing process in which child care professionals use
specialized observation and documentation tools to identify, document, and monitor
typical development or possible developmental delay
Developmental milestones - ANSWER -are observable behaviors, traits, skills, or
abilities that typically appear at specific age ranges
3 main reasons child care programs observe and screen children are to: - ANSWER --
foster growth and development
- detect early signs of delay
-identify signs of child abuse or neglect
Early intervention - ANSWER -a system of services that helps children who have a
developmental disability or delay
Atypical - ANSWER -same as not typical or not expected
Mandatory Reporters - ANSWER -people that must identify themselves and must report
suspected abuse or neglect
Documented evidence - ANSWER -written data collected by the program
Observation session - ANSWER -trained adult monitors a child as they demonstrate
identified skills or abilities within a developmental domain, in their natural environment
Developmental Domain - ANSWER -Characterize children's skills and abilties
-Physical Health and Motor Development
-Cognitive Development and General Knowledge
-Language and Communication
-Social and Emotional
-Approaches to learning
Natural Environment - ANSWER -places the child would typically be such as home, the
child care program, school, rather than a directors office or doctors office.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice - ANSWER -research based framework based on
meeting children where they are individually, chronologically, and culturally
