Background
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! encourages healthy child development, universal developmental and behavioral screening for young children, and support for the families and providers who care for them.
Developmental Screening Goals
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Celebrate Milestones.
Every family looks forward to seeing a child’s first smile, first step, and first words. Regular screenings with early childhood professionals help raise awareness of a child’s development, making it easier to celebrate developmental milestones. -
Promote Universal Screening.
All children need support in the early years to stay healthy and happy. Just like regular hearing and vision screenings can assure that children are able to hear and see clearly, developmental and behavioral screenings can assure that children are making progress in areas such as language, social, or motor development. -
Identify Possible Delays and Challenges Early.
With regular screenings, families, teachers, and other professionals can assure that young children get the services and supports they need as early as possible to help them thrive. -
Enhance Developmental Supports.
Families are children’s first and most important teachers. Tools, guidance, and tips recommended by experts, can help families support their children's development.
Federal Partners
Federal partners that support developmental and behavioral screening: