You are very welcome. I do these with all of my DCK's every three months. It is a normal part of my program, so no one really gives me hard time about it. We watch the flutuations together and it allows us to plan activities to work on the needs we see.
I do have a permission form, too, that is required by my state that explains it really well to parents. This is the template, copy/paste.
"The first five years of life are very important to your child because this time sets the stage for success in school and later life. During infancy and early childhood, many experiences should be gained and many skills learned. It is important to ensure that each child’s development is proceeding without problem during this period; therefore, I am interested in helping you monitor your child’s growth and development.
______________ Preschool uses the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, (ASQ-TM) to assist families in monitoring the development of their children, providing an opportunity to view how children are coming along developmentally and behaviorally, and to provide parents suggestions about addressing any difficulties children are experiencing. The five areas of development that are addressed by the ASQ questionnaire are communication, gross motor, fine motor, personal/social and problem solving. The questionnaires, which are filled out by family members at home, ask questions about some things your child can and cannot do.
The questionnaires are completed and turned in within the first 60 days of school enrollment and every 3 months thereafter. If a completed questionnaire is not completed by a family member and sent back into school within this time period then the screening will be completed by a member of the teaching staff. The administrator of __________ will score the questionnaires and information related to the screening results will be confidential and shared only with parents/guardians.
The screening process is an important first step of ongoing observations and assessment. Screening does not provide enough information to identify children as having a developmental problem or needing special services. Screening determines if further evaluation may be necessary. Early intervention is key in helping students achieve their potential, as a young child’s learning is at its peak during the earliest years. Based on the results of the screening, it is always in the child’s best interest to obtain a more in-depth evaluation, if family members or staff have a concern.
The screening process promotes and supports parents’ and teachers’ understanding of a child’s health, development, and learning. Any help that can be given early is more effective than help given later. If the completed questionnaire indicates that your child is developing without problems, we will send a letter stating that your child’s development appears typical. If there are concerns about your child, we will contact you directly.
Referrals are recommended if performance on the ASQ indicates a possible developmental delay. The administrator of any preschool, a teacher, or a parent/guardian can make referrals. A parent/guardian has the right to refuse to accept a referral for assistance if the child is identified as having a possible delay. The recommended referral criteria are based on the following:
- refer a child whose score in one or more areas is below the established cutoff point (i.e.2 standard deviations below the mean) for that questionnaire interval-follow up with a child whose score in a particular area is close to the cut-off point.
- follow up with a child whose scores are above the cutoff points for each area but whose parent has indicated concern in the overall section of the questionnaire.
Referrals for children ages birth to 3 years of age, if needed, are made within 90 days of completed screening to:
1. Primary Health Care Provider, 2. _____________
Referrals for children ages 3 years of age and older, if needed, are made within 90 days of completed screening to both:
1. Primary Health Care Provider, 2. Supervisor of Special Services of school district where child resides.
* I have read the description of this free screening process and give my consent for participation.
Parent/Guardian’s signature_______________________ Date__________________
Child’s Name________________________ Child’s Birthdate __________________
Child’s Primary Physician__________________
You have been given two copies of this screening information and consent. Please sign and return one and keep one for your records. Thanks in advance."