What are developmental screenings?

Height and weight are often used to measure a child’s physical growth. A child’s development can be measured by how a child learns, speaks, moves, behaves and relates. Skills such as smiling, waving, talking & walking are developmental milestones. Progress on these milestones can be found with regular developmental screening throughout childhood.
A screening tool is often a questionnaire that is completed by a parent or caregiver. A professional works with the family in reviewing the results. Physical exams, vision and hearing tests and developmental screenings are all important ways to monitor how a child is growing.

Why is developmental screening important?

Developmental screenings can improve our children’s health and well being by identifying children at risk for developmental problems. A screening does not diagnose a child with a disability but it may suggest the need for further evaluation. A screening is not meant to replace a health check-up with your child’s doctor.

Developmental screening will:
• Increase early identification of developmental and behavioral problems
• Improve access to early treatment
• Create a relationship between families and their child’s doctor
• Teach parents and caregivers about their child’s development
• Promote healthy behavior and development

Who should be screened?

All children birth through age 5 years should bescreened regularly prior to school entry.

When should my child be screened?

It is never too early to have a developmental screening, especially if concerned about your child’s development. Children should be screened early and often. The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner a child can get help.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening at regular doctor visits with a high-quality screening tool.

Where can I get a developmental screening in Orange County?

• Your Child's Doctor or Health Care Provider

Talk with your child's doctor about his/her development, especially if you have concerns. Ask about using a high quality developmental screening tool.

• Help Me Grow Orange County

Call 1.866.GROW.025 (1.866.476.9025), to be connected to community agencies that provide developmental screenings and services for children birth through age 5 years.

Your Child’s Doctor or Health Care Provider

Talk with your child’s doctor about his/her development, especially if you have concerns. Ask about using a high quality developmental screening tool.

Help Me Grow Orange County

Call 1.866.GROW.025 (1.866.476.9025), to be connected to community agencies that provide developmental screenings and services for children birth through age 5 years.

What happens after my child has been screened?

If the screening shows your child is doing well developmentally, it is important to continue to monitor development with regular screenings. If you would like to learn about community resources to enhance your child’s development, please call Help Me Grow at 1.866.GROW.025 (1.866.476.9025)

If a concern is identified by the screening, your child may qualify for special services.

If your child is under three years of age, please contact:
Regional Center of Orange County
714.796.5354
Provides early intervention services for children less than 3 years of age through the California Early Start Program.

If your child is over three years of age, please contact
Your Local School District
Provides special education services to children 3 years and older. Call your local school district special education office for a free assessment. To begin the assessment process it is strongly recommended you provide your local special education office with a written request.