Home > Early Childhood > Developmental Screening FAQ

What does a developmental screening do?
Screenings tell you how your child is developing when compared to his/her peers of the same age.

Why should I have my child screened?
The ages between 2 and 5 are often called the preschool years. This is a critical time to make sure your child has the language and physical skills to begin kindergarten. It is important to be aware of any changes or lack of development in your child. When learning challenges are identified at a young age, early intervention can help the child with learning tasks.

What should I watch for?
Children who are showing difficulties with any of the following areas may have a learning challenge. Watch for difficulties with:

  • speaking or being understood by people outside of your family
  • vision
  • hearing
  • walking/running
  • self-help skills
  • behavior/social skills
  • manipulating small objects/drawing

Who is eligible to participate?
Children between the ages of 3-5 are eligible to participate. Screenings are free of charge and held at the main ALLC office in Phoenix.

How do I schedule an appointment with Arizona Literacy & Learning Center?
Please call us at 602-212-1089 to schedule an appointment. Permission forms will be provided to parent(s)/legal guardian(s) prior to screening the child. The form must be completed and signed before we can screen your child. Please go to our calendar page to see when the next free community screening date is.

What if my child is less than three years of age?
If you have concerns about a child who is between birth and two years of age, call the Arizona Early Intervention Program at (877) 222-5432, or visit their website at: https://www.azdes.gov/azeip/

What happens during the screening appointment?

  • Parents complete a permission form and parent questionnaire.
  • A team member will ask you about your child’s growth and development.
  • A certified hearing screener will check your child’s hearing.
  • A certified vision screener will check your child’s vision.
  • Your child will be evaluated in the screening areas listed above.
  • A screener will talk to you about how your child did.
  • You will receive take-home activities so you can help your child learn important pre-kindergarten skills.
  • If needed, you will receive referrals to service providers in your areas.
  • The process may take up to 70-75 minutes.

What happens next?

  • A report of screening results will be mailed out to pre-school partners and/or parents within 2-3 weeks.
  • Recommendations are included for each at-risk child.
  • Reports also include suggestions for intervention and a listing of community resources.
  • Referrals in hearing and vision need immediate attention by the parents.
  • When a child receives a score of “refer” or “monitor”, parents and collaborating partners will be contacted in about 90 days by an ALLC staff member to complete a follow-up form. We like to be sure you were able to access community resources to help your child.

How does the Referral process work?

  • When concerns are identified, ALLC will provide you with a community referral list of specialists who can help your child in the area of concern.
  • Some follow up services may be covered by your insurance, so you may want to check with your insurance company for providers in your network.
  • You are welcome to return with your child for a follow-up screening about 6 months after the initial screening. This allows us to see the progress your child has made following the referral intervention.

A final word:
Developmental Screenings provide insight and help rule out potential problems. Ensuring your child is on track can lead to future educational success. The purpose of a developmental screening is not to diagnose, but to identify children’s developmental strengths and needs. Receiving an overview of a child’s skills gives parents and teachers the opportunity to know how best to prepare children for Kindergarten.

Please call us at 602-212-1089 to schedule an appointment.