Part of a volume which explores current issues in service delivery to infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3) with handicapping conditions, this chapter provides an overview of the relationships among screening, assessment, and curriculum in programming for this population, with attention to the potential impact of Public Law 99-457 and the participatory role of families. The following terms are discussed and defined in an effort to establish a common terminology: identification, eligibility, referral, screening, assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, community coordination, and publicity are important elements of screening and other child-find processes. Child assessment is carried on at regular 3-month or 6-month intervals by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Sharp distinctions between screening and assessment clarify personnel functions and agency responsibilities in interagency efforts. A discussion of curriculum planning focuses on family participation, the Individualized Family Service Plan, and long-range child goals, with sample functional goals and curriculum activities provided. Finally, related issues such as eligibility requirements, selection of appropriate assessment instruments, and continuum of family participation are discussed. The chapter concludes with lists of references, brief curriculum descriptions, and selected assessment instruments. (JW)