Which statement best describes the purpose of developmental screening in infant/toddler settings?

Which statement best describes the purpose of developmental screening in infant/toddler settings?

• A. Identify the child’s need for in-depth evaluation
• B. Identify training needs for teachers
• C. Identify appropriate audio formats for materials
• D. Determine whether a child should receive more in-depth evaluation

Answer: (C)

Developmental screening in infant/toddler settings is a quick, standardized check to flag potential developmental concerns and to decide if a child should receive a more in-depth evaluation. It’s the first step that helps teachers and families know whether a child might benefit from a comprehensive assessment by specialists, rather than a diagnostic tool itself. When a child screens as possibly delayed, a referral for thorough evaluation is made so delays can be confirmed and services planned sooner. If the child screens within expected ranges, ongoing monitoring continues at routine intervals. This clarifies why the purpose isn’t about training teachers or choosing materials like audio formats; the goal is to determine whether further evaluation is warranted to understand a child’s development more fully.

Developmental screening in infant/toddler settings is a quick, standardized check to flag potential developmental concerns and to decide if a child should receive a more in-depth evaluation. It’s the first step that helps teachers and families know whether a child might benefit from a comprehensive assessment by specialists, rather than a diagnostic tool itself. When a child screens as possibly delayed, a referral for thorough evaluation is made so delays can be confirmed and services planned sooner. If the child screens within expected ranges, ongoing monitoring continues at routine intervals.

This clarifies why the purpose isn’t about training teachers or choosing materials like audio formats; the goal is to determine whether further evaluation is warranted to understand a child’s development more fully.