Which of the following reflects the best use of a developmental screening checklist with preschool children?

• A. To identify children who are in need of more in-depth assessment in specific areas
• B. To assign children to advanced groups
• C. To evaluate teacher performance
• D. To determine school funding needs

Answer: (A)

Developmental screenings are brief checks used to flag preschoolers who may have developmental delays or risks and to identify specific areas that need closer, in-depth assessment. In practice, they act as an early warning system, guiding families and educators to refer a child for a full evaluation when concerns arise. They often cover domains such as language, motor skills, social-emotional development, and problem-solving, helping ensure any needed supports are started as early as possible. Because they are not diagnostic, screenings do not determine a child’s final status or ability; they indicate whether a more comprehensive assessment is warranted. This makes the best use of a screening checklist: to identify who needs further testing and services. Using it to sort children into advanced groups, evaluate teacher performance, or decide funding would miss the purpose of screening and could lead to inappropriate decisions.