ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROGRESS

At Small Stepz Academy, we are committed to promoting the healthy development of every child in our care. As part of our efforts to support early learning and identify developmental milestones, we implement the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). This tool helps screen and monitor children’s growth in five key areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.

Screening Tools Used

• ASQ-3 — General developmental screening
• ASQ:SE-2 — Social-emotional screening (as needed)

Both tools are research-based, age-appropriate, and designed to engage families in their child’s developmental journey.

When Assessments Are Conducted

• Initial Screening: Conducted within the first 45 days of enrollment for all children.
• Ongoing Developmental Screening: Conducted approximately every 6 months, following the recommended ASQ-3 intervals based on age.

ASQ Screening Intervals by Age:
6 mo, 8 mo, 10 mo, 12 mo, 14 mo, 16 mo, 18 mo, 21 mo, 24 mo, 27 mo, 30 mo, 33 mo, 36 mo, 42 mo, 48 mo.

Social-emotional screenings (ASQ:SE-2) may also be conducted around 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, or as needed based on teacher or parent concerns.

How Screenings Are Conducted

• Parents complete the ASQ at home or in the center with support if needed.
• Staff review responses and align observations with classroom experiences.
• Teachers and administrators evaluate data to determine developmental progress.

Use of Screening Results

• Guide curriculum planning and individualized support.
• If delays or concerns are identified:
  • Document and monitor
  • Schedule a parent meeting
  • Provide referrals to Early Intervention or specialists with consent

Parent Communication

• Results shared during conferences or meetings
• Families receive copies of results and home activity suggestions
• Ongoing communication encouraged

Confidentiality

• All records kept confidential and securely stored
• Shared only with written consent

Family Partnership
We believe parents are the first and most important teachers and encourage their active participation in developmental screenings.