Every parent wonders if skills are arriving when they should. The good news is you do not need a medical degree to get early answers. A developmental screening is a simple way to check how your child is growing, monitor child development, identify strengths, and determine if extra help could accelerate progress. With Families United, you get friendly guidance, plain next steps, and real support without guesswork.

Why this matters now: the early years shape language, movement, learning, and social skills at a fast pace. Observing how your child grows and changes over time helps you notice important progress. Reaching developmental milestones is a crucial part of this process—most children typically achieve these milestones at specific ages, but some may require extra support or assessment to stay on track.

In this guide, you will learn what a screening is, why it is useful, the exact steps to take, and how Families United connects you to services such as Early Start, IEP support, and navigation help. You will also see a short checklist, quick myth-busters, and instructions on what to do after receiving your results. Early screening and intervention help children thrive and reach their full potential. If you have concerns about your child's development, contact Families United or your healthcare provider for support.

What Is Developmental Screening?

A developmental screening is a brief assessment of a child’s skills, such as talking, moving, playing, and problem-solving, to determine if development is on track for their age. It is not a diagnosis. Results indicate whether more evaluation or early support is recommended, allowing families to take action promptly.

Parents often ask what is a developmental screening is during a well-child visit or community event. Screenings can occur at routine checkups at 9, 18, and 30 months, as well as separate autism-specific checks at 18 and 24 months, or anytime a concern arises.

Why Early Checks Matter For Families

Early action can improve learning, communication, and behavior. National partners encourage families to track milestones and act early when something feels off. The early years shape language, movement, learning, and social skills, making early childhood a critical period for developmental screening. Through screening, concerns can be identified early, allowing for timely support and intervention. The earlier a need is found, the faster a child can receive support.

Benefits You Can See This Month

• Faster access to speech, motor, or play-based help through Early Start and local services.
• Screening can help identify developmental delays and developmental disabilities early, leading to prompt intervention.
• Screening helps assess your child's progress and identify potential areas where support may be needed.
• A clear plan for home practice that matches your child’s current skills.
• Peace of mind for caregivers who want simple, doable steps.

Developmental Screening Steps And Tools

Use this quick plan to move from worry to action.

Parent Prep Checklist

1. Note wins and worries for each area on a developmental milestones checklist.
2. Bring videos or notes that show skills during play.
3. Administer a developmental screening test using a validated tool, such as the ASQ-3™.
4. If the results suggest the need for further review, request a developmental assessment that examines thinking, speech, movement, and behavior in greater detail.
5. Save results and schedule a follow-up in 1 to 3 months.

Validated developmental screening tools are supported by research to ensure accurate and efficient early detection of developmental delays.

Pro tip: Use one tool at a time and repeat at set ages. Watch out: A screen is not the same as a full developmental assessment of young children. It serves as a flag that guides the next steps. Involve family members and other caregivers in the screening process to provide a complete picture of the child's development.

After-The-Results Game Plan

• Results on track: keep tracking and repeat at the ages your pediatrician recommends.
• Borderline: Repeat the screen soon, use home strategies, and ask about community classes.
• Needs follow-up: request referrals and start services. In California, Early Start is available for eligible children from birth to three years old. Screening results can also inform education planning and support, helping guide early childhood education and intervention strategies.

Developmental Assessment vs Screening: Quick Comparison

Screening: a brief, broad examination of key areas to determine if a more in-depth review is necessary.

Assessment: detailed, standardized tests or play-based evaluations to confirm needs and plan support.

Parents can complete both steps with help from navigators and clinicians, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

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Supporting Child Care Providers in Developmental Screening

Child care providers are often among the first to notice how a child learns, plays, and interacts with others. Because they spend a significant amount of time with young children, these professionals are in a unique position to identify early signs of developmental delays or concerns. Supporting child care providers in developmental monitoring and screening is essential for promoting optimal development and ensuring that every child has the chance to reach important developmental milestones.

High-quality child care includes regular developmental monitoring and the use of validated developmental screening tools. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that child care providers use a combination of developmental surveillance and screening tests to help identify infants and young children who may need further evaluation. Tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) are designed to track a child’s progress and flag any potential developmental concerns, such as delays or disabilities.

When child care providers use these screening tools, they can quickly identify children who may benefit from early intervention. This early identification is key—acting early can make a big difference in a child’s development, especially during the critical early years. Providers can then work with families and health care professionals to arrange regular well-child visits, follow up on any concerns, and connect families to resources and services that support optimal development.

Health and Human Services (HHS) offers a range of resources to help child care providers implement developmental monitoring and screening. These include training, technical assistance, and access to validated screening tools, all designed to make the process straightforward and effective. By equipping providers with these supports, we help ensure that developmental concerns are identified early and that children receive the necessary help as soon as possible.

Collaboration is key. When child care providers, families, and health care professionals work together, they create a strong support network for each child. This team approach helps identify developmental delays early, provides timely referrals for further evaluation, and ensures that children receive the right services at the right time.

In summary, supporting child care providers in developmental screening is a vital step in promoting optimal development for all children. By providing the right tools, resources, and training, we empower providers to act early, identify concerns, and partner with families and health professionals to help every child thrive.

How Families United Guides Your Next Step

Families United offers friendly, step-by-step assistance from the initial questions to the services. You can request navigation support, book workshops, get IEP advocacy, and learn how to apply for Early Start. This is real help for real families, not a maze of forms.

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Quick Links You Can Use Now

• If you live in California, learn about Early Start and how eligibility is determined.
• Prefer a step-by-step guide to early supports and family advocacy.

Use Developmental Screening To Unlock Support

When you understand developmental screening, decision-making gets easier. You know what to watch, when to screen, and how to move from results to real help. Families United can walk with you at each step so you feel confident, not overwhelmed.

One-minute action plan

• Save a developmental milestones checklist and pick the next screening date.
• Ask your pediatrician to screen you at your next visit or sooner if you have any concerns.
• Call Families United to connect with navigation, Early Start, or IEP support.

If results suggest support, a navigator can help line up services, share practice ideas, and coordinate with your child’s team. The goal is simple: remove barriers, build skills, and let your child’s strengths shine. Early action allows for small gains to accumulate into significant progress. That is the heart of developmental screening and early support at Families United.

FAQ: Quick Answers Parents Search For

1. At what ages should my child be screened?
2. AAP recommends screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, or anytime a concern arises.
3. Is screening the same as an evaluation?
4. No. Screening is a brief check. Evaluation is a detailed developmental assessment that confirms needs and guides the provision of services.
5. Where can I get a free or low-cost screen?
6. Many programs offer no-cost options, including California Early Start, which is available to eligible children from birth to three years old. Your pediatrician can refer you.
7. What if my child passes, but I still worry?
8. You can request another screen or an evaluation at any time. Trust your instincts and ask questions.
9. How fast should I act after a concerning result?
10. Start the next steps right away. Acting early helps children develop skills while their brains are still developing rapidly.
11. Can Families United help me navigate services?
12. Yes. Families United offers navigation, workshops, and advocacy to help you turn results into a clear plan for your family.

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