Early Identification of Developmental Concerns
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For all children entering your centre, complete a developmental checklist or screening tool to discuss development with parents.
- Looksee checklist (the 18-month check list is free to download; other lists have a cost)
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire (cost and training required)
- Consult All Kids Belong for questions about development
Routine and Universal
- regular developmental assessments as routine
- early intervention improves outcomes for both child and family
- universal approach is optimal
- do not make assumptions based on families
Considerations for Completing Looksee Checklist:
Any “NO” responses should be explored:
- Experiential delay: when child has not tried the activity before, ask parent to let the child practice the skill for a couple of weeks then repeat checklist
- Developmental delay: child not meeting normal developmental milestones despite opportunity to practice skills
If concerned, parents should make an appointment for an assessment with their primary healthcare provider.
Refer and Encourage Seeking Help
- Recommend a visit to the child’s healthcare provider if any concerns found when completing the checklist.
- Encourage parents to seek help whenever they (or you) have a concern about development.
- Contact Thames Valley Children’s Centre for speech and or language concerns
- Contact Vanier Children's Mental Wellness for mental health and behavioural concerns.
- For more information about children's development contact Thames Valley Children's Centre's Developmental Resources for Infants (for children 2 and under) or their Smart Start Hub (for children over the age of 2).
Role of Healthcare Providers
- Physicians receive funding for an “Enhanced 18-month visit”
- 18 months is a critical “check point” for an array of developmental milestones and is the last scheduled immunization until age 5
- The healthcare provider is to:
- Engage parents in a discussion regarding development, behaviour, parenting and family/social issues
- Provide information on parenting and community programs that promote healthy child development and early learning
- When needed, provide referrals to specialized community services for those children identified with potential issues, needs and risks.
- Encourage parents to book an 18-month visit for their child if it has not been offered by their healthcare provider.
- Reassure parents that they NEVER have to wait until the 18-month visit to discuss a concern with the healthcare provider.