How can you increase the reach of your ASQ screening program?

Three successful programs share what worked for them

Establishing a screening program for Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®) requires dedicated thought and coordination. A critical key to success lies in reaching your communities and communicating the benefits of screening.

To increase your impact, focus on how you’re promoting your program

What works for you will depend on your program's unique size, scope, location, and budget, but hopefully, these Q&As and accompanying tips will inspire some new ideas that will help you meet your screening goals.

Cindy Muhar, Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership

What are some of the methods you've used to get the word out about ASQ?
While working as a Family Living Educator at UW Extension, I had a small pot of money that I wanted to use to promote the use of the ASQ in our community. I connected with a bilingual videographer, Anna Aragon, to create a short video to engage childcare providers in the ASQ. I never imagined it would get as many hits as it has on YouTube.

We put together a press release about the ASQ training and sent it to local media, which inspired our local NPR station to interview me and a doctor who trained physicians on the ASQ. I also use Microsoft Publisher to create marketing flyers for ASQ trainings and share information with our southeast region ASQ Community of Practice members via email and at professional development events.

What challenges did you face while promoting your program, and how did you overcome them?
When I started ASQ training, we allocated Project LAUNCH funds to purchase ASQ-3 kits for centers. Kits and laminated "We Use the ASQ" posters were distributed based on predetermined criteria such as completed training and an ASQ implementation plan.

What has been your greatest success?
Helping to cultivate passion for developmental screening and ASQ among providers who support families with young children.

What general advice would you give to others who want to begin promoting a screening program?
Join an early childhood community coalition or bring people together who support early childhood development. Building partnerships is essential.

Kimberly Broecker, Metro United Way (Kentucky and Indiana)

What are some of the methods you've used to get the word out about ASQ?
Initially, we partnered with a local TV news channel for PSAs and advertising. We produced brochures provided to pediatricians and community health fairs. We also established partnerships with local social services, home visitors, libraries, and outreach specialists.

What challenges did you face while promoting your program, and how did you overcome them?
Our major challenge was balancing promotional success with the capacity of those processing ASQ questionnaires. We had to limit events to ensure all could be accurately screened.

What general advice would you give to others who want to begin promoting a screening program?
Consider a community health worker model for low-income areas where services are delivered through one-on-one interactions or group sessions.

Katie Naman Prince, Alabama Partnership for Children / Help Me Grow Alabama

What are some of the methods you've used to get the word out about ASQ?
In 2014, we launched statewide events called Books, Balls, and Blocks, allowing children to play while parents completed an ASQ-3 questionnaire.
We have partnered with Regional Quality Contractors to train child care providers and adopted the ASQ Enterprise system for better coordination of screening efforts.

What challenges did you face while promoting your program, and how did you overcome them?
It was crucial to clarify that the ASQ is not a test but a tool to help parents and providers identify concerns. We also invited community partners to set up resource tables at events.

What general advice would you give to others who want to begin promoting a screening program?
Consider engaging families at venues they frequent and developing strong partnerships to build awareness and interest.