LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Early detection can be key to seeing if your child is developmentally on track. That is why the Allen County Board of DD and Rhodes State College teamed up to put on a Community Developmental Screening for kids from birth to 5 years old.
The kids could be tested in nine different areas, including dental, motor skills, and growth. The screenings are held twice a year and parents can track their child’s progress and address any concerns early on.
“I always tell parents don’t worry, but don’t wait. If there are any concerns that they are having, whether it’s at their 2-month, 4-month, 6-month checkup, identify those, let us know. We can always come out and do an evaluation, complete a screening,” says Rachael Staley, Early Childhood Supervisor, Allen County Board of DD. “This is one of the events that they could come to for free, completely free of charge, where they can talk to some professionals in our community. The best part is, if there are concerns, they can leave tonight with answers and resources that are available right here in Allen County.”
Besides the parents learning more about their kids, the Rhodes State students are using the screenings as a learning experience too.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for some service learning for our students,” adds Ann Best, Rhodes State’s Assistant Dean of Health Sciences. “They can apply the knowledge they are learning in the classroom through directed participation with professionals that are doing the screening and it’s just a wonderful learning experience for them.”
Another developmental screening will be held in the spring of 2024.
