Questions
Your questions, answered with clarity and care.
Not knowing how your child is developing can feel overwhelming and uncertain. These are clear, simple answers to the questions families ask most about early childhood development, assessments, and what to expect.
Questions
Before you ask
The questions that come before the decision.
Common signs include delayed speech, limited words, not walking on time, reduced eye contact, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty responding to their name or to instructions.
From the outside it is genuinely hard to tell, and it is not something a parent is expected to judge alone. An assessment compares your child with what is typical for their age across several areas, which is what separates ordinary variation from a delay.
If you have ongoing questions or uncertainty, it is appropriate to request an assessment for clarity and peace of mind.
What an assessment is
What it looks at, and who it is for.
A developmental assessment looks at how a child is developing in speech, movement, learning, behavior, social-emotional skills, and sensory responses during the early years.
Speech and language, motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, adaptive skills, and vision and hearing screening.
Stars provides developmental assessments for all children under the age of 3 years, when early developmental milestones are forming quickly.
At the visit
What the visit itself is like.
A specialist observes your child's communication, motor skills, learning, behavior, and sensory responses in a calm, child-friendly setting. You are present throughout.
Assessments are flexible and child-led. We adjust activities to your child's comfort and engagement.
It depends on your child's age and attention. The visit is structured and paced to your child, with time for you to ask questions.
What you come away with
What the answers mean, and why these years.
No. This is a developmental assessment that looks at your child's current developmental levels. It is not a diagnostic assessment.
That is still a valuable outcome. It gives you reassurance and clarity about your child's development.
Yes. Early identification helps families understand developmental needs sooner, which supports better long-term outcomes and timely support if it is needed.
Because this is the fastest period of brain development, when speech, movement, and social-emotional skills grow rapidly and respond most to support.
Getting started
No referral, and the first step.
No referral needed. Families can contact Stars directly.
Call (844) 700-9889 or request an assessment online. We guide you through the next steps based on your child's needs.
Your child's development deserves clear answers.
If something does not feel right, you do not have to wait for certainty to act. Stars Assessment Center is here to help you understand your child's development with clarity and care.
- No referral needed
- Families can contact Stars directly
- Assessment in your preferred language
- No cost to families
Early Start developmental assessments are provided at no cost to families.