What is the primary purpose of a screening tool?

The primary purpose of a screening tool is to identify children needing further evaluation. Screening tools are designed to quickly assess children’s development and detect any potential issues that may require a more in-depth analysis. These tools serve as an initial step in identifying developmental delays or disorders, allowing professionals to ensure that children receive appropriate resources and support as early as possible. By pinpointing children who may be at risk, these tools play a crucial role in early intervention strategies, ultimately helping to promote better outcomes in child development.

While gathering general information, aligning with educational standards, and evaluating teaching effectiveness are important aspects within educational and developmental contexts, they do not specifically focus on identifying individual children's needs for further assessment and intervention, which is the essence of what screening tools aim to achieve.