About The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire, third edition (ASQ-3) is a developmental screening tool that has been used by child care providers and parents for over 20 years to determine how children are developing, their strengths, and areas where they may need additional support. The ASQ-3 questionnaire looks at specific areas of development including communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. It is designed for children ages 1 month to 5 ½ years old. For classroom use, it is meant to be filled out with the support of parents or caretakers and then together, provider and parent can create ways to encourage and strengthen skills.
All observational questions, covering the areas listed above receive an answer of yes, sometimes, or not yet. For example, on a questionnaire for a 2-month-old a question under communication would be, “Does the baby smile when you talk to him?” and the observer would fill in the appropriate bubble of yes, sometimes or not yet.
The frequency of screenings is determined by the child’s age and the child’s initial scores. The recommendations are every 4-6 months for children birth to two years old, every six months for 2–3 year olds as children grow and change so quickly. If a child scores in the darkly shaded area, it is recommended that they are referred to a specialist or re-screened in 2 months. It is important to identify delays in development as early as possible in order to create effective interventions.
How Often Should the ASQ-3 Be Completed?
The frequency of screenings is determined by the child’s age and the child’s initial scores. The recommendations are every 4-6 months for children birth to two years old, every six months for 2–3 year olds as children grow and change so quickly. If a child scores in the darkly shaded area, it is recommended that they are referred to a specialist or re-screened in 2 months. It is important to identify delays in development as early as possible in order to create effective interventions.
What Providers Learn in ASQ-3
Child care providers who attend an ages and stages questionnaire training can expect to develop the following knowledge and skills:
Understand the benefits of developmental screening
ASQ-3 helps monitor a child’s development over time and ensures that any risks for delays are identified early. It’s important to note that ASQ-3 is not a diagnostic tool; it simply identifies whether a child may be at risk for delays or disabilities.
Describe key features of the ASQ-3
The questionnaire includes basic information about the child and the person completing the form, followed by developmental questions and an “Overall” section. This final section allows parents and providers to share additional concerns about the child’s hearing, health, or development that may not have been covered elsewhere.
Learn how to score the ASQ-3 accurately
Training participants are taught how to assign scores using the standardized point system:
- Yes = 10 points, Sometimes = 5 points, Not Yet = 0 points.
Comments in the “Overall” section may also require follow-up, even if they do not affect scoring directly.
Interpret cutoff scores and next steps
Providers learn how to evaluate whether a child is developing on schedule, needs monitoring, or may benefit from additional support based on the results.
Practice sensitive communication with families
Training includes strategies for discussing screening results with parents. This may include conversations about individualized lesson plans, referrals to specialists, or connecting families with community resources.
Understand appropriate follow-up and referrals
The final score helps shape a roadmap for how to best support the child’s development, both in the classroom and through any needed services or evaluations.
The Benefits of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
Promotes parent engagement
Parents and providers can work together to complete the ASQ-3 questionnaire, strengthening communication and collaboration around each child’s development.
Educates parents about their child’s development
Parents and caretakers are often the first to notice developmental strengths or challenges. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire gives them insight into their child’s milestones and provides the language to describe areas where they may need support.
Encourages developmentally appropriate activities at home
When families understand what to expect at each stage, they can better support their child’s growth. The ASQ-3 helps parents identify age-appropriate activities that nurture developing skills and address potential delays.
Helps providers better serve children and families
Using the ASQ-3 questionnaire in the classroom allows providers to monitor progress, tailor lesson plans to each child’s needs, and make referrals when appropriate.
Supports early intervention efforts
By identifying developmental concerns early, the ASQ-3 gives both parents and providers time to respond with targeted support or referrals. Early intervention is linked to better long-term outcomes in areas like learning, behavior, and communication.
How Does Quality Start Utilize the Ages and Stages Questionnaire?
Quality Start San Bernardino (QSSB) provides ASQ-3 training and resources to help early care and education providers implement developmental screening effectively and confidently.
Virtual Training Opportunities
QSSB offers ASQ-3 trainings an average of two times per year. All sessions are currently held virtually and have been well-received by participants.
Free ASQ-3 Starter Kits for Trainees
Providers who complete training receive a free ASQ-3 starter kit, which includes:
- 21 print masters of the questionnaires and scoring sheets (reproducible)
- A CD-ROM with printable PDF questionnaires
- The ASQ-3 User’s Guide and Quick Start Guide
Starter kits are available in Spanish upon request. Now with virtual training, kits are emailed to attendees for convenience.
One-on-One Support from ASQ-Trained Coaches
All QSSB coaches are trained on the ASQ-3 questionnaire, and many have completed “Trainer of Trainers” certification. This means providers can receive individualized guidance on how to use the tool correctly and confidently in their classrooms.
Integration with ASQ: SE-2 and Quality Rating System
Providers who implement both ASQ-3 and ASQ: SE-2 (which screens for social-emotional development) may be eligible to receive additional points on the Quality Counts California matrix, potentially increasing their quality rating through QSSB.
Additional Resources:
Find answers to common ASQ-3 questions
Sign up to receive ASQ-3 news and updates
Stay current with expert tips, new resources, free downloads, and practical strategies to support your use of the ASQ-3 questionnaire and ASQ:SE-2.
Explore related ASQ-3 resources
View a sample of a completed Ages and Stages Questionnaire for a 48-month-old.
Discover QSSB ASQ offerings on our calendar.