PIC offers the ASQ-3 developmental screening tool on its website (picak.org) for use by parents and other caregivers. This tool helps families monitor a child’s developmental progress and identify any areas that may need support.
In most cases, medical home providers, such as pediatricians, administer the ASQ-3 regularly at well-child visits. Some childcare providers also incorporate routine ASQ screenings into their early care practices. These screenings support early identification of developmental concerns and strengthen communication between caregivers and service providers.
PIC providers, in contrast, may use the ASQ in two primary ways:
- Pre-enrollment, to support families in understanding development and determining whether a referral for evaluation is needed.
- During-enrollment, as an interim tool to check developmental progress between formal evaluations, when requested by the family or indicated by the PIC provider.
The ASQ supports the following goals:
- Helping families understand if their child is developing skills appropriate for their age.
- Educating families on what developmental milestones to expect.
- Assisting caseworkers and providers in identifying children who may need additional support.
- Facilitating appropriate referrals to PIC or other services when developmental concerns arise.
The ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE can be used by both referral sources and PIC providers to support families, depending on the child’s enrollment status and needs.
When a family requests an interim ASQ between formal evaluations (for an enrolled child):
- Provide Prior Written Notice (PWN) and obtain Consent to Evaluate.
- Complete the ASQ using a hardcopy from the staff workroom or direct the family to the "For Parents" tab on the PIC website.
- Document results in RT using a Screening Note.
- If the enrolled child scores within normal limits and the parent is considering discharge, PIC may recommend completing a full evaluation sooner than the typical one-year cycle to assess eligibility and ensure appropriate support. In that case, provide a new Prior Written Notice for Evaluation.
When offering an ASQ for a child pre-enrollment:
- Prior Written Notice (PWN) and Consent and Notice of Screening before proceeding.
- Use the ASQ to help determine whether proceeding to an evaluation is advised.
- Document results appropriately, using the Screening Note format in RT.
- For children in OCS custody, ASQs should be conducted in person and are not to replace formal evaluations. They may only be used in addition to, or upon specific request for a screening-only purpose.