Background Childhood development is a maturational and interactive process, resulting in progression of perceptual, motor, cognitive, language, socio-emotional, and self-regulation skills, which can be assessed by the attainment ages of various milestones. The developments of these various domains are inextricably intertwined. Together with growth a child’s development determines (future) physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing, and its possibility to fully integrate into society. Early intervention is vital because a child learns and develops at the fastest rate during the first few years. Therefore, early detection is needed. Early detection requires tools with excellent test characteristics. It has been recommended to realize this through periodic screening, which offers, unlike a single assessment, the opportunity to detect problems within the dynamic process of child development. In the Netherlands, preventive child healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) provide periodic developmental screening between ages 0 and 4 years using the Dutch Developmental Screening test (DDST, ‘Van Wiechen scheme’). However, developmental screening is often considered time-consuming and the basis for medical decision making is often motivated by professional’s judgment rather than scientific insights. Several initiatives have been undertaken to optimize developmental screening. Examples regard using additional parental information (e.g. via the ASQ), and improving the predictive value of risk factors and the milestones themselves. Specifically, for the DDST, computing a continuous composite score at each visit, the Developmental Score (D-score), could add. Aims of the workshop. The aim of the workshop is to present and discuss innovative approaches in the monitoring of the development in children with a focus on (a) cost-effectiveness of longitudinal monitoring e.g. by including the involvement of parents in monitoring a child’s development; (b) identifying children at risk on the basis of risk factors and the developed D-score. Program of the workshop. The workshop consists of several short presentations and an interactive session: Opening (Menno Reijneveld) Short overview of existing screening instruments, known risk factors of developmental problems and the possibility to intervene early (Marlou de Kroon). Study on the comparison of the DDST and the ASQ, an instrument which is filled in by parents (Ingrid Staal). Study on the improved communication with parents by eHealth-applications in preterm children, a high risk group of developmental problems (Marlou de Kroon). nnovative approaches in the identification of children at risk, and the demonstration of the D-score, including an interactive session in practicing and discussing the D-score (Stef van Buuren). Overall discussion; summary and conclusions of the workshop (Menno Reijneveld)