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Promoting preschooler development |
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
By KAREN CAMPBELL
Staff Writer
Parents, who may be wondering if their infants or toddlers are growing and learning as they should or what to do if their child has problems sitting, talking, walking or eating, will have a chance to have their questions answered by medical professionals at a special screening Saturday.
The screening is planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 504 Glynwood Road, Wapakoneta.
A second screening, for those unable to attend Saturday, is planned for 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday at the ABC Center, 20 E. First St., New Bremen.
The screenings, open to children up to age 5, are sponsored by the Auglaize County Early Childhood Collaborative Group, Help Me Grow, formerly known as ChildNet. They are paid for through Help Me Grow funding from the Ohio Department of Health.
The group strives to meet the increasing needs of children from birth to 5-years-old and their families, Program Director Charlotte Axe said.
“As children learn and grow, we see the progress reflected in the things they do each day,” Axe said. “Learning and growing happen naturally, but can be affected for good or for bad, by many things.
“The screenings give parents an opportunity to come out and see how their children are doing,” she said. “It’s a good way for them to see how they are growing and progressing, especially if they have any concerns.”
She said for parents who have questions about their infant or toddler’s development, the screenings are the perfect time to get the answers.
“If you suspect there is a program, today may be the right time to seek another opinion,” Axe said. “If there is a need for special help, the sooner it is provided the better it will be for your child.
“Don’t delay,” she said. “The sooner you get help for your child, the brighter his or her future will be.”
The Auglaize County Health Department has been working with other county agencies to provide the screenings for 16 years.
For the last 10 years, the screenings have been held in conjunction with a health fair. The next health fair, which features services provided by outside agencies, activities and games, is scheduled for 2009.
Screenings provided Saturday include general health, general knowledge, cognitive and fine motor skills, self-help, and social and emotional well being. Older children also may be screened for dental and vision.
Children through age 3 are screened for everything at an early intervention station. Older children go from station to station with parents able to elect which stations their children need to go to, particularly if there are certain areas of concern.
The screenings are performed by medical personnel, hospital staff, agency personnel and community members, who volunteer their time and expertise to Help Me Grow. To pre-register for the screenings or to get more information, call Charlotte Axe at the Auglaize County Health Department at 419-738-3410 or 1-800-531-6134.
Parents choosing to pre-register can fill out paperwork in advance avoiding delays at the screenings. Walk-ins are welcome. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 February 2008 )
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