OUR PROGRAM
Health Screenings
Health prevention efforts, through physical and developmental health screenings, help with early identification of problems with hearing, vision, oral health, and developmental and/or behavioral delays, which if left untreated can result in poor academic and health outcomes (Anderson et al., 2003). FIRST 5 invests in prevention efforts, such as health screenings, using evidence-based, standardized, state-of-the-art screening tools that identify any needs for follow-up assessment and early intervention in the following domains below. FIRST 5 works closely with The Healthier Kids Foundation to fund vision, dental and hearings for children prenatal through age 5 throughout Santa Clara County.
Vision Screening
FIRST 5 supports the Vision First program which uses a high-tech digital optic scan camera to conduct vision screenings among children as young as six months in childcare, preschool, community-based, and school settings. These screenings detect vision problems and provide immediate follow-up care so that children and families can access corrective services.
Oral Health Screening
FIRST 5 invests in oral health screening to ensure that children with oral health concerns are being identified at a young age and receiving early intervention services. Over 1 in 4 of children screened through this program are identified as having emergency or urgent dental needs and requiring early intervention services.
Hearing Screening
Utilizing the latest in hearing screening equipment, the Hearing First program screens children under age 3-6 for undetected hearing issues and assists them with accessing follow up auditory care. The goal is to identify youth most likely to have a hearing impairment that may interfere with development, communication, health and education.
Developmental Screening
FIRST 5 collaborates with partners to identify children at risk for poor developmental and behavioral health. FIRST 5 partners utilize the Ages and Stages Questionnaires® Third Edition (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires®: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE), which are standardized questionnaires with high reliability and validity designed to help parents monitor their child’s development and identify potential challenges.
Based on the results of the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE, as well as the concerns of parents/caregivers, teachers, and/or service providers, children are referred to the KidConnections Network of Providers for further assessment and early prevention and intervention services as needed.