Watch Me Grow Developmental Screening

A child’s early years play an important role in their healthy development as this is a period of rapid growth for their brain and body. Healthy infants, toddlers, and children are more likely to remain healthy throughout the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s important to keep tabs of your child’s development to ensure that everything is on track.

Watch Me Grow Developmental Screening helps families track their young child’s growth and development. It’s a developmental screening, assessment, referral, and education service for families of young children from birth up to the age of 6 years old. Topics that contribute to a young child’s development may also be discussed, such as breastfeeding, nutrition, parenting and routines, child safety, and how holistic family dynamics can support positive mental health.

What is a developmental screening?

A developmental screening is a tool that helps families measure their child’s development through the early years to ensure they are on the right track!

The tools used for developmental and behavioural screening are formal questionnaires or checklists based on research that ask questions about a child’s development, including if they are reaching milestones in their language, movement, thinking, behaviour, and emotions.

Why is developmental screening important?

While each child grows and learns at their own pace, developmental screening is important because it allows parents to ensure their young children are meeting their developmental milestones. The screening also allows parents to learn more about the next stages in their child’s development, and how they can help their children grow and learn.

How often should my child be screened?

Children should be screened early and often from infancy until they turn 6 years old, as screening is the best way to catch any concerns early. You can track your child’s development between screenings by checking the milestones they should be reaching at their age using the Looksee Child Development Checklist. The Looksee checklist uses a series of “yes” or “no” questions regarding your child’s abilities to help monitor their development.

Where can I get my child screened?

You can have your child screened at any of the Watch Me Grow Developmental Screening drop-in locations in the area. See the table below for addresses and hours. Please check the EOHU website or our social media before leaving for a Watch Me Grow Developmental Screening, in case of schedule changes. The schedule begins May 29, 2023.