Children aged 24 to 30 months will be able to take part in free development screenings offered by the Child Development Programme.

On Friday, Education Minster El James told the House of Assembly that the screenings, which were promised in this year's Throne Speech, would look at an array of skills that toddlers should have.

"We believe that by preparing your child with the necessary self confidence, literacy skills and social behaviours, a child is better capable of meeting his or her greatest potential; emerging confident and prepared to compete and contribute locally and globally," he said.

"In doing so, we are taking preventive measures to ensure our children do not grow into at risk students with behavioural, home, psychological and disciplinary issues."

The screening will look at the child's problem-solving skills; speech and language development; fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

The hour-long session will include discussions about parenting skills and other concerns.

"Additionally, the CDP offers a variety of intervention options that are tailored to the needs of children and parents and which are offered individually, or in combination, to families," Mr. James said.

The intervention options include a programme which teaches parents effective ways to talk with their children. Another programme helps those with delayed development and another therapy to improve motor skills and language comprehension.

Those interested in the screening programme can contact the CDP at 295 0746, or visit their offices across from the Bus Depot at 37 Palmetto Road, Devonshire.