Which statement best describes the relationship between development and supports provided by DCWs?

Which statement best describes the relationship between development and supports provided by DCWs?

• A. Development has no impact on support.
• B. Support should be the same for every individual.
• C. Understanding development helps tailor developmentally appropriate supports.
• D. Development only matters for assessment.

Answer: (C)

Development informs how a DCW designs supports to match the person’s current abilities and goals. As someone grows, they gain new skills, so supports should be planned to fit their current developmental stage, using appropriate prompts, feedback, and opportunities to practice. This approach—offering supports that are challenging but achievable and fading them as independence increases—helps promote real growth and autonomy. Supports should be individualized and continuously adjusted as development unfolds. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work because each person progresses at their own pace. And development isn’t only for assessment; it guides daily planning and the ongoing tailoring of strategies.

Development informs how a DCW designs supports to match the person’s current abilities and goals. As someone grows, they gain new skills, so supports should be planned to fit their current developmental stage, using appropriate prompts, feedback, and opportunities to practice. This approach—offering supports that are challenging but achievable and fading them as independence increases—helps promote real growth and autonomy. Supports should be individualized and continuously adjusted as development unfolds.

One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work because each person progresses at their own pace. And development isn’t only for assessment; it guides daily planning and the ongoing tailoring of strategies.