Welcome to Parent Trust’s child developmental screening program!
What is an early childhood developmental screening?
A developmental screening is a simple way to check in about your child’s developmental milestones.
Why do a screening?
Screenings are a great way to find out what your child is working on, what’s coming next, and how you can support your child as they develop new skills.
Early identification of challenges is the first step in helping your child reach their full potential.
Who benefits from a screening?
All children benefit from regularly scheduled developmental screenings. Scheduling a screening is just like scheduling wellness checkups with the pediatrician, the dentist and the eye doctor.
How is Parent Trust’s Developmental Screening program unique?
In addition to getting your child screened using a well-researched screening tool (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), parents have an opportunity to:
- Observe how their child interacts with a non-parental adult
- Get parenting information and support
- Learn positive, loving ways to talk, play and support your child’s growth and development
- Receive age-appropriate activity ideas to do at home
What happens during a screening?
You and your child will be actively involved with the screening. The Screener will lead you through a variety of questions and activities designed to focus on the following developmental areas:
- Communication
- Large motor
- Fine motor
- Problem Solving
- Personal/Social
There will be time for your child to play, get to know the person doing the screening, and for you to ask any questions or express concerns that might not be covered during the formal screening portion of the meeting.
Who can attend the screening?
You can bring anyone you want to your child’s screening! In addition to the child being screened and at least one parent, Parent Trust welcomes siblings, relatives, nannies, and anyone else you would like to participate. (keep in mind the room for screenings is pretty small—but we aim to accommodate all families)
Cost for screenings: all screenings are 100% free.
Criteria for participation:
- Washington State residents only
- For children 1 month- 5 1/2 years old
- Child must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian
- Parent must complete demographic form at start of appointment
Logistics
Where?
Most of our screenings take place in our Seattle Office
Parent Trust’s Center for Strong Families
2200 Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
However, if you live in the Edmonds School District, we are able to provide free screenings through the first 12 months. To learn more about this program, funded by Verdant Health Commission, please visit our Family Wellness Program >> page.
How long does it take?
Approximately 1 hour. However, if there are questions or concerns, the appointment could go over an hour so please plan accordingly.
How much does it cost?
All screenings are free. If you are able to make a donation to support our agency, we appreciate it.
Sounds great, how to I sign up?
Screenings are by appointment only.
Contact our Child & Teen Services Manager 206-233-0156 ext. 225 or bvanhorne@parenttrust.org >>
Please include the following in your email:
Your full name
Your child’s full name
Your child’s date of birth
If your child was born early, by how many weeks?
Your zip code
You will be contacted with scheduling information; we look forward to meeting you!
Want to learn more about child development?
Child Development Parenting Tips >>
Early Learning Parenting Tips >>