What is the primary goal of the screening process in early development?

The primary goal of the screening process in early development is to identify any potential developmental delays or concerns. Screening tools are designed to help detect issues in a child's physical, social, emotional, or cognitive development as early as possible. This early identification is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for children who may be at risk for developmental delays.

By pinpointing these concerns early in a child's life, practitioners can work with families to provide the necessary resources, support, and services that may be needed to address identified issues. This proactive approach is fundamental to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to succeed in their developmental milestones and overall growth.

Other options, while they may have relevance in different contexts, do not represent the primary focus of the screening process. Categorizing children into groups may occur as a result of screening but is not its main goal. Focusing solely on academic readiness ignores other critical aspects of a child's development. Lastly, assessing parental involvement is important in the broader context of child development, but it is not the primary objective of the screening process itself.