What is the primary purpose of developmental screening assessments for an infant or toddler?

• A. Identify how the center should adjust its curriculum and practices
• B. Identify the special education services for which the child is eligible
• C. Determine whether the child should receive more in-depth evaluation
• D. Determine whether the teachers should receive more in-service training

Answer: (C)

Developmental screening assessments are quick checks to see if an infant or toddler is developing typically across areas like language, motor skills, social interaction, and problem-solving. The main purpose is to flag children who may have developmental concerns so they can be referred for a more in-depth evaluation. They don’t diagnose conditions or determine eligibility for services on their own, and they aren’t used to decide curriculum or staff training needs. If a screening raises concerns, a comprehensive evaluation follows to determine if the child qualifies for early intervention or special education services and to guide next steps.