Developmental Milestones: Screening and Progress Monitoring

Developmental screening and progress monitoring help show how children develop and progress in their growth and educational development. When conducted regularly, both offer valuable insights into a child’s progress over time.

Children from birth to age 5 who participate in the School Readiness (SR) program undergo annual developmental screenings. Parents complete an electronic Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) on each child when completing the enrollment process. Screenings identify whether children are meeting milestones appropriate for their age or whether they may need targeted assistance. To learn more about the ASQ, contact your local early learning coalition.

Children in Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program participate in the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) or FAST Star Early Literacy. This ongoing progress monitoring helps teachers understand children’s educational needs as the teachers monitor children’s learning progression throughout VPK. To learn more about the FAST Star Early Literacy, visit the Family Guide to Star Assessments and the FAST Star Early Literacy Family Letter – What Families Need to Know.