Developmental Monitoring and Screening

Starting at birth and continuing throughout childhood, children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. Children’s development should be observed, or monitored, on an ongoing basis in their home, child care settings, and anywhere else children spend their time. Frequent monitoring and screening of young children for healthy growth and development is recommended to help identify potential areas needing further evaluation. Learn more about Developmental Monitoring and Screening English or Spanish.

The Benefits of Developmental Monitoring and Screening for Young Children

WHO:

Parents, Family Members, Child Care Providers, and other Caregivers

WHAT:

What is Child Development?

Child Development refers to how a child grows which includes physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development.

What are the Developmental Milestones?

Skills like taking a first step, smiling at people, and waving goodbye and hello are called developmental milestones. How your child learns, speaks, and plays offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age.

What is a developmental delay?

A developmental delay is when your child does not reach developmental milestones around a certain age.

What is Developmental Screening?

Developmental screenings are ways that professionals can determine if a child is reaching developmental milestones or if they if they need additional support.

WHY:

Why is Developmental Screening important?

Developmental screening is important because it can help you celebrate when your child meets his or her developmental milestones. It is also important because it can help you know if your child needs additional support. Earlier support can lead to better outcomes as your child grows.

HOW:

If you have concerns or questions about your child’s development and are interested in developmental screening, you can contact your child’s pediatrician, your local Health Department, your local CDSA (Children’s Developmental Services Agency), and for children 3 years and older, you can contact The Exceptional Children Department of your local school system. For additional information and resources for children of any ages, contact the ECAC (Exceptional Children's Assistance Center).

For additional Information about Developmental Monitoring and Screening please click on the following links.

For Parents, Family Members, other Caregivers, and Child Care Providers:

 Milestone Moments - Learn the Signs. Act Early.

 NC Infant-Toddler Program Chart of Developmental Milestones

 Learn More About Your Child's Development:

Developmental Monitoring and Screening For Child Care Providers:

 Contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for Free Resources on Developmental Milestones

 Tips for Talking with Parents about Developmental Concerns