Introduction

Parents have an important responsibility for monitoring the growth and well-being of their children. Parents are need to ensure that their youngsters have proper nutrition, are appropriately dressed for the weather, receive medical care when necessary, receive an education, and grow up reasonably happy in safe and wholesome environments. Early development is a complex process that involves ongoing connections between physical, mental, and social growth. We take it for granted that in the short space of one year, newborn infants will become upright, mobile, and able to communicate. We expect toddlers to develop a sense of self and a working knowledge of the world around them. It does not surprise us that by kindergarten age, most youngsters have mastered a majority of the fundamental motor, language, social, and self-care skills required for successful life as adults. Despite tremendous variations in the timing and order of early learning for individual children, most youngsters reach school age and begin formal education without any concerns about their development. Developmental screening is the first step when parents or professionals do have questions or concerns about the development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

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