It is doubtful that anyone would deny that parenting is hard work. When parents and caregivers are busy working, paying bills, keeping food on the table and managing a household, keeping track of developmental milestones in our young children can be challenging.

The hard work of parenting comes with immeasurable rewards as our young children grow, learn and become unique individuals full of personality. We know children develop skills and reach milestones at their own pace and thrive naturally when given the proper support, but how can we be sure our children are developing in a healthy way and reaching important developmental milestones?

During the most precious stage of early brain development, parents and caregivers can ensure children are reaching those milestones through regular developmental screening. Parents and caregivers can gain a clear understanding of a child’s strengths, what to look forward to in their development, and what support services a child might need in order to ensure healthy development and school readiness.

The Ages & Stages Questionnaire® (ASQ) is a highly researched, valid and reliable tool for parents and caregivers to get a snapshot of a child’s development in communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social skills. The ASQ takes about 10-15 minutes to fill out and can be administered at any time from birth to age 5 ½ years. Based on responses, results will help determine if a child’s developmental progress is on time and/or alert parents and caregivers to any potential concerns that can be shared with the child’s health care provider.

Developmental screening can help parents and caregivers:

  • Learn more about their child’s growth and development
  • Learn about their child’s strengths
  • Address any questions or concerns about behavior, growth and development
  • Identify if there are any areas of development that need more support
  • Get connected with local resources for children and families

4-C is pleased to offer free and confidential ASQ developmental screening for all children birth to 5 1/2 years old residing in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Rock, Sauk and Walworth counties.

The ASQ can be filled out by parents or primary caregivers online or paper versions of the ASQ can be requested from 4-C at any time by email, phone or mail to:

4-C Early Intervention Specialist
5 Odana Court Madison, WI 53719
608-271-9181 x7029
[email protected]

We encourage you to take 10–15 minutes to check in with the Ages & Stages Questionnaire®. The sooner a developmental delay or special need is addressed, the better long-term success can be expected for a child’s overall well-being.