Tasmania celebrates early success of new 18-month child health assessment supporting early development

More than 2,000 Tasmanian families have participated in the state's new 18-month Child Health and Development Assessment, marking an early milestone for an initiative designed to strengthen developmental monitoring, early identification and family support during the critical early years.

Introduced on 1 July 2025 through Tasmania's Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS), the universal assessment is available to every Tasmanian child at around 18 months of age and forms part of the Tasmanian Government's broader commitment to improving child development outcomes and ensuring families receive timely support during one of the most significant stages of early childhood.

The initiative complements Tasmania's existing universal child health program and reflects a growing national focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and connecting families with appropriate support before children commence school.

The 60-minute assessment combines developmental screening with practical guidance for parents on supporting their child's communication, social and emotional development, behaviour and overall wellbeing.

During the appointment, CHaPS nurses work alongside families to:

• monitor children's developmental progress;
• identify early signs that may require further assessment;
• provide practical strategies to support healthy development; and
• connect families with allied health professionals or early intervention services where appropriate.

The assessment also provides an opportunity for parents and carers to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about their child's development in a supportive and evidence-informed environment.

The 18-month assessment complements Tasmania's existing schedule of universal child health checks delivered through CHaPS, which includes appointments at:

• two weeks;
• four weeks;
• eight weeks;
• six months;
• 12 months;
• two years; and
• four years.

The service is provided free of charge to all Tasmanian families with children under five years of age.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said the assessment was helping ensure families received the right support at an important stage of their child's development while strengthening opportunities for early identification where additional assistance may be needed.

For the early childhood education and care sector, the initiative reinforces the importance of the first 2,000 days of a child's life and the critical role that early identification plays in improving developmental and educational outcomes.

Earlier developmental information can support:

• timely referrals to specialist services;
• stronger collaboration between health professionals, educators and families;
• more effective inclusion planning for children requiring additional support; and
• smoother transitions into early learning settings.

The introduction of an additional universal developmental assessment also reflects a broader national shift towards earlier screening and coordinated support for children and families. Governments across Australia are increasingly investing in developmental monitoring, early intervention and school readiness initiatives to improve outcomes before children begin formal education.

For educators, stronger partnerships with child health services can help build a more complete understanding of each child's strengths, interests and developmental needs, supporting more responsive and inclusive learning environments.

With more than 2,000 assessments already completed, Tasmania's experience demonstrates how universal child health services can strengthen developmental monitoring, support families and contribute to improved outcomes for children before they enter school.

As governments continue to explore ways to improve early identification and intervention, initiatives such as the 18-month Child Health and Development Assessment highlight the growing recognition that investment during the earliest years can have lasting benefits for children's learning, wellbeing and lifelong development.

For more information about CHaPS assessments, visit: Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) | Tasmanian Department of Health.