Development and Assessment of Young Children

Developmental assessment of Young children 4 (1+3)

Lesson 1:Introduction to Assessment

Stage II-Developmental Screening

Developmental screening is a relatively quick way to survey a group of children to detect those who indicate developmental difficulty. The results of the developmental screening assessment are not intended to be used for diagnostic purpose or placement. The tests used for developmental screening of large groups of children should be brief, inexpensive and have an objective scoring system. Two possible errors can occur in the screening process.

1. False positives
2. False negatives

False positives: Identify children as needing intervention when later it is discovered they are functioning with in the normal range.
False-negatives: Fails to identify youngsters who need further diagnosis because they actually have developmental delays.

Guidelines for developmentally appropriate screening:

1. Screening should be viewed as part of the intervention and not only as a means of identification.
2. Instruments should be used for their specified purpose.
3. Requires multiple sources of information.
4. Should take place periodically. Reevaluation should be conducted at regular intervals.
5. Should be viewed as only one way to more in depth assessment.
6. Should be valid and reliable
7. Family members should be essential part of screening process.
8. Screening should be done in child’s familiar settings.
9. Screening tests must be culturally sensitive.

Comprehensive training is needed for personnel involved in screening young children.