Informing families about developmental screenings

What is a development screening? 

Developmental screenings are regular, free check-ins that help parents and caregivers understand how each child is growing and developing from birth to 7 years of age. Information from screenings can connect families to resources to best help children learn and thrive. During a developmental screening, providers check how a child moves, plays, talks, and acts with others. Screenings can take place in a home, at a child care center like Head Start, at a healthcare clinic, or at a school or other public place.  

What can you share with families?  

Child care providers, teachers, and organizations can help spread the word about developmental screening with families. The earlier a child is screened, the more time families have to address needs and set children up for success. Find more information and early childhood screening options by visiting the healthy development and screening webpage from Help Me Connect. Early childhood screenings are free and check of how a child is growing, developing, and learning.   

Minnesota’s Interagency Developmental Screening Task Force  

The Minnesota Interagency Developmental Screening Task Force promotes the coordination of developmental and social-emotional screening of youth children in Minnesota. The Task Force is leading several projects to improve and support developmental screening on the local level and continues to prioritize community collaboration and engagement. Each agency is gathering feedback and stories from families and providers to better understand how local services and early childhood supports are experienced across communities and how those experiences can strengthen systems moving forward.