Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Online

Screen today.
Shape tomorrow.

Learn whether your child is reaching important developmental milestones.

The most crucial time for a child’s learning and development is between birth and age 5. During this period, 90 percent of their brain develops. You can use the Sparkler: Play for Parenting app to track your child’s skills. Sparkler will help you know if your child’s growth is on track. The app will also give you different ways to nurture their learning and development.

Discover more about the ASQ.

Learn what areas of your child’s development the ASQ screening tool checks and what to expect from the questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does taking the ASQ cost anything?

It’s free to families and providers, thanks to Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth.

What if I don’t have a smartphone or a way to download the Sparkler app?

If you are unable to download or access an ASQ on the Sparkler app, a Help Me Grow Developmental Screening Specialist is available to assist you with completing a screener over the phone. Please call (800) 755-GROW or email [email protected].

At what age should I begin screening my child? Will Sparkler send reminders to screen regularly?

Sparkler’s ASQ tool allows families to begin screening their children for developmental milestones at two months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened at 9, 18, and 30 months and up through 5 years during regular well-child visits. Sparkler sends parents screening reminder notifications through the app.

Is there a right or wrong way to answer the questions in the ASQ screening tool?

There are no right or wrong answers! You will answer each question based on what your child is able to do now. For example, the questions may be answered with a simple “yes,” “sometimes,” or “not yet.” Answering what your child is currently able to do will help determine which milestones they are meeting and which area(s) of development may need extra support.

How do I enter the unique Sparkler access code for my child’s early care and education provider?

Families can link up with one or more schools/programs using Sparkler.

Here’s how to add a new organization:

Go to Settings (the gear in the upper right corner of the home screen)
Click on My Account
Click on the child’s name
You’ll see the cohort or cohorts your child is part of under “Cohort.”
Click on the name of the cohort(s)
To add, click the blue word “Add” In the upper right corner and type the code into the box, press submit
Press “back”
Press “confirm changes”

Here’s how to delete an organization if you move or are no longer affiliated with an organization:

Go to Settings (the gear in the upper right corner of the home screen)
Click on My Account
Click on the child’s name
You’ll see the cohort or cohorts your child is part of under “Cohort.”
Click on the name of the cohort(s)
Swipe right to left and press “remove” to remove one of the cohorts, and confirm you want to remove the cohort
Press “back”
Press “confirm changes”

Is the ASQ screening tool available in any language other than English?

Currently the app is available for families in English, Spanish, and Chinese (Simplified Characters).

How does the Sparkler app uphold privacy and security?

Sparkler treats your data carefully, preserving your privacy and keeping your data safe and secure. Sparkler does not sell or rent any of your, or your child’s, Personal Information to any third-party for any purpose — including for advertising or marketing purposes. Third-party advertising does not happen in Sparkler. We use the information we collect from you to provide you with the best Sparkler experience. We ask parents to share information that is necessary in order to provide them with the correct play content and screenings based on their children's age. We ask for contact details (such as email and phone number) in order to contact and support families.

Sparkler is often made available to parents and caregivers through Sponsoring Partners, defined in our Privacy Policy. Sponsoring Partners include, but are not limited to, early childhood centers, daycares, schools, school readiness organizations, school districts, health care organizations, home visiting agencies, and social service agencies (collectively “Sponsoring Partners”). These organizations have independent relationships with the parents and caregivers, and are making Sparkler available to the parents and caregivers as a supportive service. These organizations are subject to FERPA, HIPPA, or similar policies that align with the limitation and responsibilities laid out in Sparkler’s Privacy Policy and associated terms of use.

In signing up for Sparkler, parents often consent to sharing their information with the Sponsoring Partner serving them or their family, which gives the partner the ability to see the family’s information, engage with the family, and support the family.

Please learn more by reading our policies in full: Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Copyright Policy, Breach Notification Procedures, and Connecticut Model Terms of Service Addendum.

Is Sparkler an app for parents or an app for children?

Sparkler is an app for PARENTS — it’s meant to guide parents to help them help their children. It is not an app for children.

Does a family need to be online to use Sparkler?

No. A family must be online to initially download the Sparkler app and to receive messages or upload a new ASQ, but they can play and take ASQs while offline.

Do messaging rates apply?

No. Sparkler sends messages via push notifications to families’ devices. It does not use text messages, and families are not charged for receiving or sending messages from any organizations they are connected with.

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Download Sparkler on the Apple App Store

Download the Sparkler app on Google Play

A closer look at the Sparkler App:

Make the most of the early years. These in-app features can give your child a strong start for kindergarten and beyond.

Did you know? When children are not developmentally ready to start kindergarten, it can be difficult for them to catch up in later grades.