What is the difference between screening and ongoing assessment in early childhood education?

• A. Screening diagnoses disabilities.
• B. Screening identifies potential delays quickly; ongoing assessment is systematic, continuous observation and documentation to monitor development over time.
• C. Screening and ongoing assessment are identical.
• D. Ongoing assessment is a one-time test.

Answer: (B)

Screening is a quick, initial check used to flag children who might have developmental delays or disabilities and who may need further evaluation; it does not provide a diagnosis. Ongoing assessment is a systematic, continuous process of observing and documenting a child’s development and learning over time to monitor growth, inform instruction, and plan supports. This approach uses multiple data sources across contexts and over periods, such as portfolios, work samples, and routine observations, to track progress and adjust teaching. The combination—screening to identify potential concerns quickly, followed by ongoing assessment to monitor and respond to development—best captures how these practices function in early childhood education.