Utah Parents as Teachers - Salt Lake City, Utah




The Importance of Developmental Screening Developmental check-ups are as important as measuring growth and preventing illness. Routine screenings confirm that development is on track and aid in early detection of problems. In the United States, nearly 17% of school-aged children have a developmental or behavioral disability. Fewer than half of them are identified and get help before they enter school. When a child receives the specialized attention or intervention he needs at an early age, there is an increased likelihood that these skills and behaviors will improve. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports early detection of problems in all areas of health and development and recommends that “all infants and young children should be screened for developmental delays.” This can be a team effort among parents, schools, and physicians. Parents as Teachers Born to LearnTM programs offer free screenings for children ages 6 months to kindergarten entry that complement the care your health professional is providing. What is developmental screening? Developmental screening is a quick look to see if your child’s development is on track. Early identification of and intervention with any developmental concerns will help a child to be the best he can be! A developmental screening by a trained professional can provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of each child. Most often the results will show that your child is doing very well. Types of screenings As a part of routine well-child visits, your health care provider will screen for problems with health, vision, hearing and development. The following explains the components of these types of screenings. 1. Developmental screenings are not IQ tests; they simply look at how a child is gaining skills and learning in comparison to other children her age in the following areas Social/Emotional – how well a child interacts with others, can take care of her own needs, regulates her emotions and behavior Language – how well a child listens or responds to language, uses vocabulary and grammar, and shows interest in books, print, music and her surroundings Fine motor/adaptive – a child’s ability to use small muscles, coordinate eye/hand movements and problem solve Gross motor – a child’s ability to use her large muscles (rolling over, sitting, jumping) 2. Hearing and vision screenings identify hearing and vision deficits that may interfere with development and learning. Hearing and vision problems must be detected and treated very early, as some may become untreatable or lead to delays in other developmental areas. 3. Health screenings are those with which parents are most familiar. During well-child check-ups your health care provider weighs and measures your child, asks about illnesses and healthy habits, and ensures your child’s immunizations are current. You can support developmental screening by • sharing information about your child’s development with the health professional • asking about any concerns you have regarding your child • following the recommendations of the screener • scheduling additional evaluations when recommended You can help your child by • offering a variety of nutritious foods • providing opportunities for your child to be physically active • providing daily routines that include time for rest • planning time together to read, sing, talk and play to support your child’s developing brain To get your child screened, please contact Utah Parents as Teachers at upat@cssutah.org or call (801) 326-4411