Overview of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional
Parents and children participating in SPARK have been pleased to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire:Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE). The ASQ:SE is part of the Ages and Stages Screening System. It was published in 2002 as a companion tool to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)—a screening tool to assess children’s development in communication, problem solving, fine motor, gross motor, and personal-social skills.

The ASQ:SE is completed by parents. It is an effective way to monitor the behavior of young children and to address parental concerns. It screens both positive and problem behaviors. Questions cover a child’s emotional development, independence, ability to adapt, ability to calm, and interaction with others.

All parents in SPARK complete the ASQ:SE, plus some additional questions to see whether their child might have experienced any social-emotional trauma. Parent partners then review the results of the screening with the parents. Results of the ASQ:SE are used to help develop a learning plan for each SPARK child. This learning plan lists the steps to Kindergarten readiness for each child. These steps lead to activities that develop skills needed for success in kindergarten.

The results of the ASQ:SE are also used to decide if there are any concerns that need further in-depth assessment. Further assessment can help decide if a child and/or family is in need of special support to allow for healthy social-emotional growth and development.

Partners in SPARK know that a child’s healthy social-emotional development is important to be ready for kindergarten.