Early intervention and developmental care planning — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 24-month-old with speech delay and emerging social-communication concerns. Caregivers want a genetic label first. Temporary housing; prior missed appointments. ^{[1] [2]}

1. List four urgent red flags that would bypass a routine EI queue. (2) ^{[3] [5]}
2. Outline a parallel plan for the next 2 weeks including sensory checks and supports. (4) ^{[1] [2] [5]}
3. Write two family-centred goals and name plan ownership elements. (2) ^[4]
4. State two equity redesign actions for temporary housing. (2) ^[6]

Model answer — SAQ 1

Red flags (2): regression; epileptic encephalopathy/spasms features; safeguarding/severe neglect; unsafe caregiver mental health / acute neurological signs (any four correctly stated). ^{[3] [5]}

Parallel plan (4): hearing and vision pathways; medical-home developmental assessment; EI/allied health referral now; parent coaching while diagnostics (including genetics if indicated) run; safety-net contact and review date. ^{[1] [2] [5]}

Goals/ownership (2): e.g. “uses two signs/words for wants at meals”; “joins 5 minutes of joint play daily”; key worker + medical home owner + review date. ^[4]

Equity (2): flexible outreach/text calls; transport support; co-located appointments; interpreter if needed; do not close as declined after missed calls without re-engagement. ^[6]