As a parent or caregiver, you play an important role in your child's growth. The Early Years Check-In is a tool that helps you to identify any concerns about your child's development. The results can be used to start a conversation with an early years professional about any concerns you may have.
The Check-In is easy-to-use and simple to understand. You can identify your concerns about your child's development on 11 items. These items look at four different skills: social and emotional, thinking and learning, language, and movement.
Your child's development is a journey. Your concerns might change over time, and you can continue to use the tool as your child grows. It is a quick, convenient 'check-in' for children 18 months to 6 years old.
After completing your Check-In, speak to an early years professional about your results. They can help support your child's development and direct you to resources in your community.
The Check-In was created by experts in child development at the Infant and Child Health Lab (INCH Lab) at McMaster and the University of Toronto and the Division of e-Learning Innovation (DeLI) at McMaster University. It was made possible through the generous support of the Government of Ontario.
Of course! Download a paper version of the Check-In if you prefer a hard copy. Where possible, for better accuracy, the paper version should be printed in colour.
Play&Learn is an online resource to help you understand what child development can look like at different ages. At playandlearn.healthhq.ca, you will find expert-reviewed games and activities, organized by age group. If you are concerned about a specific area of development, you may find activities on Play&Learn that help your child build their skills.
Visit Play&LearnThe Early Years Check-In is not a diagnostic tool. It measures a level of concern about how your child is developing. It helps to begin a conversation with an early years professional where concerns exist.
