We're implementing a new ASQ screening program at our child care center. Do you have materials to distribute at a parent information night?
A parent information meeting is a great way to introduce the concept of screening. You may find the What is ASQ-3? and What is ASQ:SE-2? parent handouts helpful as well as the sample parent welcome letters. See sample letters . This case story about a Maryland child care program that uses ASQ includes a discussion…
Is it possible for some families to opt out of screening? Should we encourage them to participate but honor their request if they decline?
The ASQ developers recommend that programs obtain the consent of parents and caregivers when screening a child. If parents choose not to participate in the screening program, it is important to respect their wishes. Keep in mind that reluctance to participate is often due to a lack of understanding about why screenin…
Sometimes, we receive completed ASQ-3 questionnaires with scores of 0 in all domains for children that have not been diagnosed with any delays or disabilities. Should we use an ASQ-3 questionnaire in a younger age interval to help get an idea of the children’s general developmental level?
Yes, using the next lower age interval is recommended. A provider can sample items from the lower age interval and see if the child can do those skills. It may be possible that the parents do not read English or understand the questions. A phone call is recommended to determine whether the parents need a translated q…
Is ASQ-3 technically sound?
ASQ-3 has a standardization with an unrivaled sample that closely mirrors the U.S. population in geography and ethnicity and includes children of all socioeconomic statuses. The sample includes 15,138 children whose parents completed 18,232 questionnaires. Reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity are all e…
How have items been refined in ASQ-3 from the last edition?
Based on research and user feedback, ASQ-3 items have been refined to present clearer wording, ensure cultural appropriateness, and include more examples for better clarity. New questions about language expression and behavior have been added to the Overall section.
We use ASQ-3 as our initial screener and the OUNCE for ongoing assessment. Is there an alignment between the two tools?
No, at this point in time, there is not an alignment between ASQ-3 and OUNCE.
My school district uses ASQ-3 as a screening tool to assess the need for special education. Instead of parents completing the form, the evaluator fills it out. This person does not know the child and spends only 15-60 minutes with the child. What are your thoughts on this practice?
ASQ-3 (and ASQ:SE-2) questionnaires are primarily designed to be completed by parents. A caregiver/teacher who spends at least 20 hours a week with the child may also complete the questionnaires. It is important that the person completing the questionnaire is familiar with the child's skills. A professional unfamilia…
How has ASQ-3 in Spanish been refined?
ASQ-3 in Spanish reflects all changes to ASQ-3 in English. Questions in the Spanish translation have also been worded more clearly to improve utility of the questionnaires for Spanish-speaking parents. The translation was reviewed by a panel of Spanish-speaking early childhood experts who focused on issues of dialect…
What is the advantage of using the ASQ-3 Materials Kit rather than assembling the materials needed yourself?
The only advantage of using the ASQ-3 Materials Kit available from Brookes Publishing is the convenience factor. It is perfectly acceptable to assemble the materials needed for an ASQ-3 screening using the materials in a child's natural environment, such as their home or child care center. In fact, it is important to…
If supervisors were to run fidelity checks, how would they do? Would they test for reliability among screeners, or would they sit in on screenings and complete a checklist of fidelity items?
To examine fidelity related to how professionals administer and score ASQ questionnaires, some programs do a file review to monitor the screening program. A supervisor checks that a screening was completed, that the correct interval was used, that the questionnaire was scored correctly, that appropriate follow-up act…
