Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)

Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) is a screening tool used to detect and address developmental and behavioral issues in children from infancy through adolescence. Created by Frances Page Glascoe, PEDS is designed to elicit parents’ concerns about their children’s development, behavior, and mental health. It serves as an evidence-based method for professionals in healthcare, education, and child development fields to engage parents in discussions about their child’s development and to identify early any potential delays or problems.

The PEDS tool consists of a brief questionnaire that parents can complete in just a few minutes. The questionnaire asks open-ended questions about various aspects of a child’s development, including learning, behavior, social-emotional development, and other areas where parents might have concerns. By focusing on parental concerns, PEDS taps into the valuable insights that parents have into their child’s abilities and challenges.

After the questionnaire is completed, the responses are evaluated to determine if the concerns are predictive of developmental, behavioral, or mental health issues. Based on the results, healthcare providers can decide on the appropriate next steps, which may include further evaluation, monitoring, or referral to specialists for intervention services.

PEDS is widely respected for its effectiveness in facilitating early detection of developmental and behavioral concerns. By involving parents directly and valuing their observations, PEDS promotes a collaborative approach to child development, ensuring that children receive the support they need to thrive. Early identification and intervention are crucial for addressing developmental issues, and tools like PEDS play a vital role in this process by bridging the gap between parents’ observations and professional assessment.