A Developmental Screening or Evaluation Tells Us If A Child Could Use Extra Support
Regular developmental screenings assess how children are growing and developing in key areas of their development: cognitive, physical, communication and language, and social-emotional.
Many health care providers will ask parents to complete the screening survey before each well-child visit. (If your provider doesn’t offer it, you can request a developmental screening from your health care or child care provider.)
Developmental Screening & Evaluation for Children, Birth to Age 3 
All babies and toddlers need support for their development so they can get off to a strong start. Some
children need extra support during the important early years.
The brains of babies and toddlers are growing and developing fast! For that reason, it is much easier for
young children to learn new skills than it is for older children.
When delays in a child’s learning or development are identified early in life and children receive support, they have the best chance to catch up and/or to make significant progress in their development.
Early Intervention Overview - English
Ready to Connect?
Please contact DDRC (Developmental Disabilities Resources Center) at 303-462-6619 or visit the website for more information. Or click the button to complete the EI Colorado online referral form.
Transitioning from Early Intervention
To learn more about what happens as your child transitions from Early Intervention by their third
birthday, watch this video.
Transitioning from Early Intervention
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Transición de la Intervención Temprana |
Developmental Screening and Evaluation for Children, Ages 3-5
The Child Find program offers screening and evaluation for children age 3 through 5 years old.
If a child is not meeting typical developmental milestones, or someone is concerned about the child’s growth or learning, Child Find professionals will evaluate how the child plays, learns, speaks, behaves and moves. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine if there is a significant delay or if there is a need for special education services. Evaluations conducted by Child Find teams are at no cost to families. Referrals to Child Find should be made through the school district or Administrative Unit (AU) where the child lives.
Jefferson County: Includes contact information and a link to the Child Find intake form.
Clear Creek County: The Clear Creek School District preschool program supports families through the eligibility determination and services process. Please contact Brooke Huff at brooke.huff@ccsdre1.org or call 303-670-6120.
Gilpin County: Contact Maci Herbert, Child Find Coordinator at Mhebert@blueskyboces.com or call 729-509-9190.
Early Detection Leads to Better Outcomes for Children
Many children with developmental delays or behavior concerns are not identified as early as they could be. As a result, these children have to wait to get the help they need to succeed in social and educational settings (in school, at home, and in the community).
| DEVELOPMENTAL MONITORING | DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING | DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION |
| What is it?
Keeping your eyes out for developmental milestones Who does it? Parents, grandparents, other caregivers When does it happen? Birth through 5 years old Why is it important?
How? Get free, simple-to-use checklists here. |
What is it?
Looking for specific developmental milestones Who does it? Pediatrician, early childhood educator, other professional When does it happen? At 9, 18, 24 and 30 months – or whenever there is a concern Why is it important?
How? Professionals use a formal validated screening tool; learn more here. |
What is it?
Identifying and diagnosing developmental delays or conditions Who does it? Pediatrician, child psychologist or trained provider When does it happen? Whenever there is a concern Why is it important?
How? Professionals do a detailed examination using formal assessment tools, observation and conversations with parents and caregivers. |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html
Learn more about developmental screenings and Early Intervention.