What is the primary purpose of developmental screenings?

The primary purpose of developmental screenings is to identify signs of possible problems in a child's development. These screenings are designed to detect early indicators that may suggest a child is not meeting developmental milestones in areas such as communication, motor skills, and social-emotional development. Early identification allows for timely interventions and support, which can significantly improve outcomes for children who may be at risk for developmental delays or disorders.

Developmental screenings are not intended to provide a definitive diagnosis of a developmental disorder; instead, they serve as a preliminary assessment tool. They should be viewed as a way to flag potential issues that may require further evaluation or additional observation. This focus on early identification differentiates the purpose of screenings from regular health check-ups and does not serve as a mechanism for enforcing educational standards, both of which hold different objectives in child development and education.