Training and Technical Assistance for Providers

Training Requirements

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports (BCCHPS) will require use of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) at intake and during treatment planning, based on the results of the MichiCANS screener, for infants, toddlers, and children ages one month up to age six who have (1) a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) or (2) SED and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The following tools should be used for the following ages:

• DECA for Infants: one month up to 18-months. *
• DECA for Toddlers (DECA-T): 18 months up to 36 months.
• DECA Clinical (DECA-C): 2 years up to age six. *

In addition to use at intake, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) will also be completed:

• annually
• when clinical staff and/or parents/caregivers identify a notable change in the young child’s life and
• at the time of exit from service for infants, toddlers, and young children with SED and SED/IDD, birth up to age six.

The MichiCANS and DECA tools will provide information to inform services and treatment planning for Individual Plan of Service goals. The DECA tools offer a parent or caregiver perspective within five to ten minutes. The assessment can be sent electronically to the parents/caregivers and scored immediately within the electronic DECA (eDECA) system.

* DECA for Infants begins at birth and can be administered after one month of observation.

Live Training

We offer live, interactive virtual training on the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) for early childhood professionals and supervisors. These sessions provide in-depth instruction on the purpose of the tool, interpretation of the results, and how to use DECA results to support children’s social and emotional development in everyday practice.

Recorded Training

In addition to live virtual training options, clinical staff and their supervisors can meet training requirements by completing a recorded version of the required DECA training. This flexible option allows participants to learn at their own pace while still meeting fidelity and completion expectations.

e-DECA Access

Once trained in the assessment tools, clinical staff and their supervisors can access and use the electronic DECA (e-DECA) web-based application. This secure system allows users to enter DECA ratings online, automatically scores assessments, generates reports, provides strength-based strategies for school and home settings, and securely stores data. If you need a username and password for e-DECA access, first ask if there is an eDECA administrator on your team. If not, or if you have questions or technical assistance needs, please contact us.

Login to e-DECA