Delaware Bill Ensures Access to Developmental Screening for All

Delaware Governor John Carney signed HB202 into effect this month, expanding access to developmental screenings for all young children attending licensed child care programs across the state. Beginning in July 2023, all child care programs will be required to provide annual developmental and social emotional screening to children under the age of five who are not enrolled in kindergarten. Developmental screening programs identify children whose development may deserve closer observation or assessment and children who may be at risk of later developmental problems. According to the State of Babies Yearbook, only 26% of Delaware infants and toddlers received developmental screening, below the national average of 32.5%. This new law will increase the chances that children who may be eligible for early intervention receive the services they need as early as possible. To learn how other states and communities are approaching screening policies, read Recommendations on Developmental Screening Follow-up Practices and Policies for Federal, State, and Community Level Stakeholders.