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Screenings can detect learning problems before kindergarten

Just as mammograms or prostate exams help detect diseases earlier in adults, periodic screenings of infants, toddlers and preschoolers can help identify issues that can become learning challenges later on.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, many children have delays in language or other areas that can affect school readiness. However, fewer than half of children with developmental delays are identified before starting school, meaning significant delays might have occurred and treatment opportunities may have been missed.

All young children should receive developmental screenings at their infant and toddler well-checks. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child 5 and younger, you can make a difference by monitoring your child’s physical, mental, social and emotional development and discussing your observations with your health care provider.

Please remember that all children develop at different rates; what is typical for other children may not be the same for yours. There are a couple of resources to help parents and caregivers identify concerns regarding their child’s development and make the most of those early doctor visits.

The first is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, which parents can complete online. It includes a series of questions regarding your child’s development and behavior. The results of the questionnaire are emailed to parents within a couple of weeks and are intended to be used to follow up with a health provider regarding any identified issues. Free access to the questionnaire has been made available through a grant from CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. It is available through the Easter Seals Blake Foundation website (www.blakefoundation.easterseals.com under Explore Resources).

Another resource is the toll-free, statewide Birth to 5 Helpline (1-877-705-5437). There, nurses and developmental experts will give you tips on which milestones your child should have achieved for their age and help you decide if a follow up with your health provider is needed.

The earlier developmental delays are detected, the sooner a child can receive the support they need to reach their full potential. By working together, we can ensure that all young kids are on track to start school healthy and ready to succeed!




Sam Leyvas is Chief Executive Officer of First Things First. He can be reached at sleyvas@azftf.gov.