Supporting Every Learner: Using Developmental Screeners in Early Childhood Education

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for children of all abilities. As early childhood educators, we play a vital role in recognizing when children may need extra support. One powerful tool for doing this is developmental screening. By incorporating screening tools into our best practices, we can help identify developmental concerns early, so all children have the resources they need to thrive.

Why Developmental Screening Matters

Children grow and develop at their own pace, but some may need additional support to reach important milestones. Developmental screening tools provide a quick, effective way to check a child's progress across key developmental areas. These tools help identify children who may be at risk for delays, allowing families and educators to seek early intervention if needed.


Screening tools assess a wide range of skills including motor development, language abilities, cognitive or thinking skills, and social-emotional growth. By gathering insights in these areas, educators can better understand a child's unique strengths and needs. For example, a child who struggles with fine motor skills may need extra support with tasks like holding a crayon or using scissors, while a child showing delays in language may benefit from more targeted communication strategies or a referral for speech therapy.

What is “Universal” Developmental Screening?

Universal developmental screening means that all children are screened at regular intervals, regardless of whether there are concerns about their development. This proactive approach ensures that no child falls through the cracks. By screening every child, educators can identify strengths and areas of concern early, even for children who may not show obvious signs of delay. Universal screening promotes equity by giving every child the opportunity to receive the support they need to succeed.

Popular Developmental Screening Tools for Early Childhood Educators

Several reliable tools are available to support educators in assessing developmental milestones:
  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3): A commonly used, parent-completed tool that screens children from birth to age 6 in communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. By engaging families in the screening process, the ASQ-3 empowers parents to better understand their child's development and partner with educators in providing support.
  • Brigance Early Childhood Screens: Evaluates motor, language, cognitive, self-help, and social-emotional development for children from birth to first grade. The Brigance Screens can be used to help teachers get a comprehensive view of a child’s growth and progress.
  • Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver II): Assesses children’s growth in key areas like gross motor, fine motor/adaptive skills, language development, and personal-social skills.
    While developmental screening tools are not diagnostic, they provide a well-rounded picture of a child’s developmental progress, and they help educators identify areas where additional evaluation or support may be needed.

Creating an Inclusive Classroom with Screening Tools

Developmental screenings are not about labeling children; they are about understanding how to support every learner effectively. When educators use screening tools from an inclusion-focused lens, they create opportunities to adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students. Screening results can reveal valuable insights about language abilities, social-emotional development, or motor skills, helping educators make adjustments that benefit all children.
For example, if a screening identifies a child who struggles with fine motor skills, teachers can offer adaptive tools like chunky crayons or loop scissors. Providing activities that strengthen hand muscles, such as playing with playdoh or stringing beads, can also support fine motor development. For children who need additional language support, educators might implement more visual cues or use gestures and sign language to reinforce communication. Developmental screening empowers teachers to fine-tune their classroom environment and teaching strategies. 

How to Share Screening Results with Families

Conversations about developmental screening results can feel overwhelming for families, so it is important to approach these discussions with compassion and positivity. Begin by explaining that screening is a routine practice designed to track progress and offer insights, not to diagnose or label children. Emphasize that identifying potential concerns early allows for targeted support, giving children the best chance to succeed.
When sharing results, celebrate the child's strengths first to build confidence and trust with families. Then, discuss any concerns clearly and calmly, offering specific examples of what you have observed in the classroom. Provide families with next steps, such as encouraging them to follow up with their pediatrician or explore local early intervention services. In fact, many states offer free early supports for children under age three. Sharing resources like the CDC’s "Learn the Signs, Act Early" campaign or Zero to Three can help parents feel informed and prepared to take the next steps that best support their child. 
Offering reassurance, along with clear guidance and practical resources, can help families feel confident as they navigate the next steps in supporting their child’s development. For more information about how to prepare for a meeting with families or communicate about developmental concerns, check out the on-demand course Partnering With Families: Strategies for Successful Communication.

Make Developmental Screening Part of Your Best Practices

This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month let's commit to making universal developmental screening a cornerstone of our inclusive classrooms. By using developmental screeners as part of your high-quality early learning program, you are not only supporting individual children but also strengthening your entire classroom community. When developmental concerns are caught early, families can access the support they need to help their child grow, learn, and succeed. 

- NWC IMPACT Team

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