Step 1 in developmental care: Surveillance tools

This article provides practical tools for primary care providers to monitor child development and detect problems, Step 1 in developmental care. Novel one-page developmental attainments charts called Crucial skills can be used in developmental surveillance of children from newborn to 12 years, to review whether the child has attained skills expected for their age. Tables provide risk factors for developmental delay and where to refer when delays are found. Supportive information is offered for managing all components of surveillance, including when to do surveillance at well-child visits versus only if there are concerns, when to use standardized screening instruments versus history and observations with developmental attainments chart, recommended screens for various ages, parenting guidance, fostering family resiliency and medical investigations. A comprehensive School Age Developmental Attainments chart is presented to answer parents questions, see the age range for skills and review the level of evidence for references. Primary care providers reading this article will be equipped with tools for their essential role in Step 1 of developmental care: Surveillance.