Why Screenings Matter – Ages & Stages Questionnaires and new Sparkler App

This presentation is brought to you by the 2Gen Collabrative.

This virtual workshop will focus on the importance of developmental screenings in early childhood. Participants will gain an understanding of what developmental screening is, why it is crucial for identifying potential delays, and how tools like the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaires) assess key developmental areas. The session will highlight the benefits of utilizing these screenings and provide an overview of national, state, and local resources available to support families and professionals.

A key part of the workshop will be an introduction to Ohio’s Sparkler: Play for Parenting app, launched on September 16, 2024. This free app helps families with children from birth to age five track development through age-based play activities and the ASQ screening tool. Early childhood providers will also learn how to use the Sparkler dashboard to monitor progress and support children’s development.

Attendees will explore the benefits of using Sparkler’s free platform and how to become a Sparkler Program Partner to expand access to developmental resources.

About the presenters:

Jennifer McNellie, MA, is the Literacy Program Partnerships Coordinator for Starting Point Child Care Resource and Referral in Cleveland Ohio.

Julie Babcock is the Project Coordinator for Bright Beginnings working on several statewide initiatives including Ohio’s ASQ Online Services Expansion, Family Connects (Ohio’s newest, universal home visiting model) and Help Me Grow’s Community Resource Directory.