The Visit
Observation, Reflection, Synthesis for Training and Relationship Building
By Annette Axtmann, Ed.D., & Annegret Dettwiler, Ed.D.

Field-tested and shaped by feedback from directors of Early Head Start, child care organizations, and early intervention programs, The Visit is an essential professional development tool for supervisors to use with direct care practitioners who work with young children and their families. For use in homes, clinics, or group care settings, this tool guides supervisors through structured, 1-hour meetings that strengthen parent/professional relationships and capture an accurate picture of the child’s development. As supervisors and direct care practitioners work as a team to uncover the child’s strengths and challenges and relate them to the strengths and challenges of the family, direct care practitioners obtain professional skill.

During the visit, the parent chooses whether they would like to begin with a parent interview or tasks for the child. The practitioner may interact with the child while the supervisor conducts a parent interview to gather key insights about family supports, separation issues, cultural values, attitudes toward parenting, and caregiving needs. Then the supervisor and parent offer the child age-appropriate tasks selected from standardized assessment instruments. The team takes no notes; instead, they focus on the family and gather observations.

After the visit, the supervisor and direct care practitioner share their observations in a co-review session and compare the child to others in the same age range. Reflecting together, they synthesize their own observations with information gathered from the parent. They write a letter for the parent, illustrated with observations, that summarizes what they learned and suggests next steps.

To help make meetings successful and efficient, The Visit includes Observation, Reflection, Synthesis guides — one for each of eight age ranges from 2 to 36 months. Each guide includes photocopiable record forms with clear instructions, reflective parent interview questions, a list of age-appropriate tasks and required materials, and pages to complete at the co-review session. For easy printing of unlimited quantities, all photocopiable materials are also on an included CD-ROM. A developmental characteristics chart is also inlcluded on the CD-ROM.

With this comprehensive tool, framed by the nonlinear dynamic systems theory of development and based on the principle of reflective supervision, supervisors will have everything they need to train direct care practitioners.

1. Introduction to the Visit
   
   
2. The Visit in Practice
   Conducting the Visit with Hugo
   Meeting
   Co-Review
   Parent Letter
   Parent's Response
   Direct Care Practitioner's Experience
   How the Visit is Integral to the Service System
   
   
3. Theory and Principles that Guide the Visit
   The Child is a Complex Dynamic System
   The Child Develops Within the Context of the Family
   The Parent is the Child’s Primary Caregiver
   The Child’s Family Belongs to a Social-Cultural Community
   
   
4. In-Service Training for the Direct Care Practitioner
   Professional Identity
   Enhanced Skills in Observing the Parent-Child Relationship
   Informed Practice
   Follow-Up
   
   
5. Role of the Supervisor
   Guided by Direct Observation
   Establishing Priorities
   A Personal Professional Style
   
   
6. Benefits to the Service System
   Invigorates How the Service System Views and Works with Families
   Uncovers Strengths of Child and Parent
   Reduces Costs
   Builds Trust
   Allows Timely Referral for Special Services
   
   
7. Summary
   

8. User Information for the Observation, Reflection, Synthesis Guides
   Materials for the Tasks
   Developmental Characteristics Chart
   
   
9. Observation, Reflection, Synthesis Guides
   Age Range: 2-4 Months
   Age Range: 4-7 Months
   Age Range: 7-10 Months
   Age Range: 10-13 Months
   Age Range: 13-18 Months
   Age Range: 18-24 Months
   Age Range: 24-30 Months
   Age Range: 30-36 Months