About Sparkler CT
Sparkler has been working with the CT Office of Early Childhood since 2018 to support family engagement and developmental screening. Starting in 2021, OEC made Sparkler available to all Connecticut families with young children (prenatal – age 5) and to programs serving those families. Sparkler currently works with hundreds of schools, family resource centers, community based organizations, home visiting agencies, healthcare providers, and others to engage and support families across the state. Find answers to many frequently asked questions in our FAQ.
Getting Started With Sparkler
Are you a Connecticut-based provider interested in using Sparkler? Please let us know by filling out this form. Once we get you started, we will share custom handouts, fliers, and other materials that you can share with the families you serve.
Sparkler Training Videos & Webinars
- Learn to Use the Sparkler Partner Dashboard (Overview)
- Introduction to Sparkler for Programs Interested in Sparkler (Overview)
- Sparkler Partner Dashboard — Learn to Use MESSAGING in Sparkler
- Sparkler Partner Dashboard — Learn to Use the LIBRARY
- How to help a parent change or add an access code to link with a new program
- Sparkler Partner Dashboard — DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING
Sharing Sparkler with Families
Other Info for CT Sparkler Providers
Developmental Screening in CT
Families can access ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 via Sparkler’s mobile application in English, Spanish, and Chinese. To share results with their program, they must use that program’s code (during registration or in settings).
For CT Healthcare Providers
Sparkler works with interested healthcare providers to offer screening and support to families. Current providers using Sparkler include pediatricians, OB/GYNs, birthing hospitals, and more.
Sparkler for Expecting Parents
Sparkler became available for expecting parents (as well as parents of 0-5 year olds) in 2024. The app can be used in English, Spanish, or Chinese on iOS or Android, smartphone, or tablet, starting in the first trimester.
211 Child Development
Sparkler’s partners at 211 Child Development and Help Me Grow CT help families connect with a network of supports — from early intervention (Birth to Three) to home visiting to family advocacy. 211 can also help programs support individual families.
For CT School Districts
CT School Districts are using Sparkler as part of kindergarten enrollment, as part of public preschools’ screening programs, and as part of Child Find. All districts have their own codes. If your district needs help accessing/using Sparkler, please contact us.
Sparkler Resources to Share with Families
Slides to Share/Adapt
Sparkler Overview for Families: Use or adapt these slides when you are introducing Sparkler to the families you serve.
Handouts to Share/Adapt
Get started with Sparkler for families (English or Spanish)
Find other handouts, letters, and fliers in our public Google Drive folder for CT early childhood providers.
After screening, parents or providers can take the next step and access additional evaluations or services if there are questions or concerns. Please learn more about the options available to CT families:
Booklets to Share with Families
Sparkler’s activity booklets share previews of Sparkler with families. They include: information on early childhood milestones; information about developmental screening; play activities to grow strong hearts, words, minds, and bodies; and parent tips. There are versions for families with different ages of children in CT, in English and Spanish: