What is a Developmental Screening?
Developmental screenings come in many forms and are often done during a child’s annual physical/Well Child visit. Screenings can happen in the form of conversations between your child’s medical provider or other members in your child’s care circle. It also happens with you as you observe your child during interactions with books and/or toys.
Between annual physicals/Well Child visits, adults that interact daily in a child’s life such as a parent, grandparent, guardian, etc. are encouraged to routinely review where their child is at on their developmental milestone journey. The following are free, local resources that adults can use to help with screening.
- CDC Milestones Tracker App for Your Cellphone
- Easterseals Online Ages & Stages Questionnaire
- Regional Office of Education – Parents As Teachers Free Home Visiting Program & Screening Services
- School District 45 Early Childhood Center (only for families in School District 45 boundaries. Click here to verify if you are within School District 45 boundaries.
What to do if you suspect your child has a developmental delay or needs help in reaching their developmental milestones?
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait. Acting early on developmental concerns makes a difference for you and your child. Your first steps can be to reach to your child’s doctor or to the local early intervention programs. To learn more about local early intervention programs in DuPage, please click here.
What are early interventions?
Early intervention is the term used to describe services and support that helps children from birth to five with developmental delays or disabilities and their family and care circle. It may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family. Early intervention services can have positive impacts on a child’s ability to learn new skills and increase their success in school and life.
What should I say when I go to my child’s appointment/screening?
For more information, including what to say when you contact your child’s medical provider or a screening organization, click here.
What to do while you wait for your child’s appointment/screening?
If you are waiting for an appointment to see a specialist or to start intervention services, there are some simple steps you can take today and every day to help your child’s development. To learn more about these steps, click here.