Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol
Developmental screening within 45-90 days of enrollment is required by Head Start performance standards and recommended by state preschool programs. This protocol ensures consistent screening practices, timely family communication, and appropriate referral processes for children showing developmental concerns.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Per enrollment and annually
- Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes per child screening
- Role: Lead Teacher / Education Coordinator
- Total Items: 31
Screening Eligibility and Timing
Verify screening eligibility and timing requirements.
- Screening completed within 45 days of enrollment per Head Start standard?
- Annual developmental screening up to date for returning children?
- Parent/guardian informed consent obtained for screening?
- State or program approved screening tool used (e.g., ASQ-3, PEDS)?
- Screener completed required training for this screening tool?
Developmental Domain Screening
Document screening across all developmental domains.
- Communication and language development screened?
- Gross motor development screened?
- Fine motor and self-help skills screened?
- Cognitive and problem-solving skills screened?
- Social-emotional development screened?
- Sensory processing concerns noted or screened if applicable?
Family Communication
Document family communication about screening.
- Screening results explained to family in understandable language?
- Results provided in family's home language or with interpreter?
- Family's observations and concerns incorporated into screening discussion?
- Written summary of results provided to family?
- Family questions answered and next steps clearly explained?
Referral Process
Document referral process for children with concerns.
- Referral indicated based on screening results?
- Family agreed to referral and authorized contact with referral agency?
- Referral submitted to appropriate agency (Early Intervention, school district, pediatrician)?
- Referral submitted within required timeline (typically 30 days of screening)?
- Follow-up contact scheduled with family to track referral status?
Program Supports While Awaiting Services
Document supports provided pending referral outcomes.
- Classroom accommodations implemented pending evaluation?
- Specific teaching strategies documented for child's areas of concern?
- Progress monitoring plan in place to track development?
- Family resources and community support information provided?
- Reasonable ADA modifications implemented pending formal disability determination?
Screening Documentation
Complete required screening documentation.
- Completed screening forms filed in child's confidential record?
- Screening results incorporated into individualized education plan or learning goals?
- Program-wide screening compliance rate tracked?
- Screening data available for annual Head Start PIR or state program report?
- Screening information maintained confidentially per FERPA?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Preschool Classroom Learning Environment Assessment
- Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation and Documentation
- Preschool Daily Outdoor Learning and Recess Safety
- Preschool Positive Behavior Support Plan Development
- Childcare Center Annual License Renewal Preparation
- Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Afternoon Dismissal and Transportation Safety Protocol
Related Preschool Checklists
- Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist - FREE Download
- Preschool Classroom Morning Preparation - FREE Download
- Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Circle Time and Group Activity Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool Outdoor Learning Environment Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool IEP and Special Needs Accommodation Review - FREE Download
- Preschool Classroom Learning Environment Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation and Documentation - FREE Download
- Preschool Daily Outdoor Learning and Recess Safety - FREE Download
Why Use This Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol?
This preschool developmental screening and assessment protocol helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead teacher / education coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per enrollment and annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Screening Eligibility and Timing, Developmental Domain Screening, Family Communication, Referral Process, Program Supports While Awaiting Services, Screening Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per enrollment and annually. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes per child screening.
Who should use this Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol?
This checklist is designed for Lead Teacher / Education Coordinator professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.