Module 1: Lesson 2: Child Developmental Screening

Child Developmental Screening

Developmental screenings are included in first contacts for the purpose of evaluation and assessment planning for all children who do not have an established condition or an obvious developmental delay. The service coordinator and/or other appropriate individuals conduct screening within the context of first contacts, and therefore screening is conducted in the home or other location in which the face-to-face contact is conducted. Acceptable screening tools are:

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
• Birth to Three Screener
• Early Learning Accomplishment Profile (ELAP) Screener

If the child screens at age level and the family makes the decision not to proceed with an evaluation/assessment, the family is provided with developmental materials and referrals to community agencies, as appropriate. Contact information for Early Steps is provided and the family is offered a re-screening in three to six months. When families choose not to proceed with an evaluation assessment, they must sign a form indicating they have decided not to participate further in Early Steps at this time.

If the family chooses to continue to refer their child after screening demonstrates that the child is functioning age appropriately in all five developmental areas, then the Local Early Steps may conduct an evaluation/assessment. If the Local Early Steps makes the decision not to conduct the evaluation and assessment, it must provide written notice that includes the family's procedural safeguards.

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