Training that builds skills and confidence  
Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin (the Alliance) trains professionals across the state to use developmental screening tools. Developmental screening is a quick check of how a child plays, learns, talks and moves. Our trainings help professionals build the skills and confidence to find delays early.  

Partners in health care, public health, early childhood and community-based programs share a goal: screening every child. Each community has its own practices and resources, so the path to that goal looks different across communities. 

Local leaders show the way 
We work with local leaders to find what opportunities for growth and strategies make sense for their communities. This summer, we partnered with Paige Ward. Ward is a Birth to 3 service coordinator and teacher with the Polk County Public Health Department. Birth to 3 is Wisconsin's program for young children with delays or disabilities.  

The health department made developmental screening a priority in its Title V Maternal and Child Health work. Title V is a federal program that supports the health of moms and kids. Through this work, Polk County saw child care providers as key partners in expanding universal developmental screening. 

This work shows the value of teaming up with trusted partners in the places where children already spend their time. 

Bringing screening to child care 
As part of the collaborative, our medical home team trained staff at Little Saints Child Care on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). The ASQ-3 is a set of short questions about how a child is growing. The training helped staff add developmental screening to their daily work. It also helped them talk with families about their child's growth. 

Ward shared, "The Birth to 3 and the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin partnership has provided education and conversation surrounding developmental screenings for licensed child care centers in Polk County. This partnership provided an opportunity for a child care center to train staff members on the ASQ-3 and receive a complete kit. Staff at this day care center stated that after receiving the training they feel more comfortable talking through difficult conversations regarding development with families and are excited to implement the screening tools for children enrolled at their center. Through this partnership, awareness and the importance of developmental screening have been addressed. Resources for developmental milestones have also been made easily accessible for families." 

Child care providers play a key role in developmental screening efforts. When staff have the right training and tools, they can spot concerns sooner and connect families to the support they need. 

What comes next 
Our work with Polk County continues to grow. Next steps include:  

  • Bringing screening to more child care sites that are interested and ready  
  • Sharing lessons learned 
  • Writing down the steps the center uses to screen children  

Child care centers are a great place to grow developmental screening. Staff see children and families often during key stages of growth. Screening works best when it fits into daily routines and has enough staff and strong support from leaders. Local partners, such as health departments, can offer ongoing guidance. They can also help connect families to services when developmental concern comes up. 

Bringing screening to your site 
Want to implement developmental screening where you work? We'd love to help!  

Connect with the medical home initiative to learn more about training, resources and ways to partner with us. 

Blog post written by Program Manager, Morgan Conti in partnership with Paige Ward