Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >
Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >What if your young child’s behaviors don’t seem age-appropriate or are causing problems at home or in his or her early learning center? What if your child seems unable to calm down and relax, can’t express his or her feelings, seems sad or angry much of the time, or has trouble getting along with other children?
Sometimes these things take care of themselves over time as the child matures, but sometimes they are signs of delays in social and emotional development that need to be addressed to avoid bigger problems later on.
Learning disabilities, language delays, and social and emotional problems affect about 17% of children, but less than half are identified before they begin school. One way to decide whether a child’s difficulties are serious enough to need attention is through what is called developmental screening.
While this should happen during regular well-child visits to your pediatrician or family doctor, screening can also be done in partnership with your child’s early learning center.
There are many different developmental screening tools available for young children. Pennsylvania has chosen to use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) in early learning centers. The ASQ:SE “identifies infants and young children whose social and emotional development requires further evaluation to determine if referral for intervention
services is necessary.” The questionnaire has different versions to be used by parents, teachers / other caregivers. Social-emotional screening helps to identify delays in a child’s ability to express and regulate emotions, form secure relationships, and explore the environment and learn.
We all want our children to succeed, get along with other children, and have friends. If something is preventing a child from being successful, it is important to find out as soon as possible and identify ways to help the child before the problem interferes with learning and school. The idea of developmental screening might sound threatening, but it really is just one of the helpful tools available to help parents and teachers find out what children need to help them achieve the potential we all know is inside each child.
Milestone Tracker App. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://bit.ly/2mqPXJ6
Early Learning GPS. PA’s Promise for Children.
https://papromiseforchildren.com/early-learning-gps/
Ages & Stages Questionnaires. agesandstages.com
Programs and families can contact the program leadership directly at PAIECMH@pakeys.org with questions or concerns.
This project is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning.