Child Development Assessment & Screening Singapore

Child development screening (CDS) in Singapore is a preventive healthcare measure that monitors a child’s progress across key areas such as motor skills, cognitive ability, language, and social-emotional development. It helps identify potential concerns early and allows for timely referrals for further evaluation and intervention if needed.

Screenings are typically conducted during routine health visits and follow the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). At Central Clinic, we provide child development screenings and vaccinations for children recommended under NCIS.

During a developmental screening, the doctor assesses your child’s development, growth, and behaviour to ensure they are progressing appropriately for their age. This typically includes:

1. Assessing developmental milestones in four key domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social skills, using standardised checklists from the Child Health Booklet.
2. Conducting a physical examination to identify any medical concerns, such as jaundice, congenital conditions, or hip dysplasia.
3. Monitoring physical growth, recording your child’s weight, height, and head circumference.
4. Checking hearing and sensory responses, and arrange referrals if any concerns or abnormal results are identified.
5. Discussing with you the completed developmental and safety checklists, addressing any concerns you may have, and offering guidance on topics such as nutrition, sleep, home safety, and early learning.

For preterm infants, corrected age is used for screening and growth monitoring up to 24 months.

Before each developmental screening or vaccination visit, remember to:

1. Complete the developmental checklist in the Child Health Booklet that corresponds to your child’s age.
2. Fill in the child safety checklist, which helps identify potential risks in your child’s environment.
3. Note and share any concerns with the doctor, especially if your child is not meeting expected milestones or if you have observed changes in behaviour.