Development Screening

How do you feel about child screening, tests and checklists? Are they a necessity? Are they respectful? Do they focus on the things children can't do, or do they emphasize the things children can do?

I'm personally not a fan. I've been in settings where children have undergone developmental checklists. I saw parents try and make their children jump on the spot, stand on one leg, match colors and pictures, do language tests, the list goes on. The reality (from my perspective) is that children are being forced to do these tests, they often end of very frustrated, and their parents usually take them and leave annoyed and out of patience. If think that if a parent chooses to do a checklist or screening test, the things they look for should be observed naturally and over a period of time-such as a few days to a week. I think children may benefit from it in this way because they are not being objectified. They remain to feel dignity and confidence in themselves because they are not being judged or put on a pedestal. The "tests" are done in a natural environment and the actions are occurring naturally and appropriately. I know that these tests are usually designed for children pre-school age, to see how "ready they are for kindergarten." I know this doesn't completely relate to infants and toddlers, but it does in some way. Parents ultimately want the best for their child and when they are being told that in order to provide the best, they need to find out as early as possible how their child's development is doing. I found THIS blog about a healthy children initiative based in Ottawa. Check it out and tell me what you think!