Currently, our child care teachers fill out an ASQ-3 on children prior to parent-teacher conferences while a home visitor has parents fill out an ASQ-3 at home in the same timeframe. The 2 separate questionnaires can be discussed at the parent-teacher conference. However, we screen twice a year and having both teachers and parents complete the questionnaires means that there is a possibility of a teacher completing the same ASQ-3 interval two times and the parent completing it twice as well.
It is great to have both parents and child care providers complete the questionnaires and discuss results as your program is doing. Completing the same age interval four times is not ideal, especially if the child's scores were above the cutoffs during the first administration. One suggestion is to space your screeni…
We use ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 during our Child Find activities. We have the parents make appointments and then send them the questionnaires to complete ahead of time. We're seeing that more and more of our parents are unable to answer the questions for a variety of reasons so we were considering asking staff complete the questionnaires and then conferencing with the parent to compare the scores and finalize. The staff would not be familiar with the child, though. Does that present any concerns? Do you have other suggestions?
The developers recommend that professionals enlist parents to complete the questionnaires whenever possible. ASQ was developed and validated as a parent-completed tool, and many studies have found parents to be reliable evaluators of children’s behavior. As you’ve experienced, there are some scenarios—such as a cogni…
We use the ASQ with our families at our family resource centers. Do you have a short, easy-to-understand, introduction paragraph that we can share with parents that explains the ASQ process and benefits?
The developers recommend sharing the What Is ASQ-3? and What Is ASQ: SE-2? handout with families when introducing the screening program. The handouts are available in multiple languages. The introductory letter to parents may also have helpful information.
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 discussio…
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…
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 ASQ:SE-2 parent-friendly?
ASQ:SE-2 questionnaires have been carefully designed to ensure clarity and ease of implementation for parents. Each questionnaire item is written in simple, straightforward language (at a 4th- to 6th-grade reading level), illustrations are provided when possible, and concrete examples are included. To further enhance…
Is ASQ-3 parent-friendly?
ASQ-3 questionnaires have been carefully designed to ensure clarity and ease of use for parents. Each questionnaire item is written in simple, straightforward language (at a 4th- to 6th-grade reading level), illustrations are provided when possible, and concrete examples are included. To further enhance parents’ invo…
Is there research on the validity and reliability of different administration methods of the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2?
The developers have examined the difference between completing the questionnaires on paper and online and found that the results are equivalent. The research was published in Infants & Young Children . Questionnaire administration via telephone has not been examined by a research study. However, a lot of data coll…
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…
