Parents and children participating in SPARK are excited about the Ages & Stages Questionnaire –the ASQ. They are completing the ASQ to provide valuable information about what a SPARK child can and cannot do. The ASQ—a developmental screening system—provides information about children’s skills in:

• Communication
• Gross Motor
• Fine Motor
• Problem Solving
• Personal-Social Development

Parents also complete the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional. Children in SPARK can be screened every 3 to 6 months.

The ASQ is a special screening system because it is completed by parents. It is very effective as a screening system. Parent Partners are trained to guide parents to complete and use the ASQ. Many families in Stark County and communities all over Ohio use the ASQ. In 5 of the 8 SPARK states, families are also using the ASQ. It is fun. It is easy to understand and use. It is helpful to parents and children.

The information from the ASQ screenings are used to develop a learning plan for each SPARK child. This plan lists the steps to kindergarten readiness for each child. These steps lead to activities that develop the skills outlined in the Ohio Department of Education’s Pre-Kindergarten Academic Content Standards. The results of the ASQ screening are also used to decide if there are any concerns for a SPARK child. If there are concerns, a family has the opportunity for further assessment.

We believe that the ASQ developmental screening system helps increase children’s success in kindergarten.