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 invests in The Healthier Kids Foundation to provide vision, dental and hearing screenings with connection to early intervention services for children under age 6 in Santa Clara County.
FIRST 5 invests in preventative healthcare efforts through The Healthier Kids Foundation, which offers children under age 6 in Santa Clara County vision, dental and hearing screenings and connects families to early intervention services. Physical and developmental health screenings that are evidence-based, standardized, and implemented using state-of-the-art tools help with early identification of problems, that if left untreated can result in poor academic and health outcomes (Anderson et al., 2003) for children as they age.
Vision Screening
FIRST 5 supports the Vision First program that uses a high-tech digital optic scan camera to conduct vision screenings for children as young as six months in childcare, preschool, community-based, and school settings. These screenings detect vision problems and case managers connect families to follow-up care.
Oral Health Screening
FIRST 5 invests in oral health screening to ensure that children with dental health concerns are identified at a young age and offered appropriate dental care. The program found that more than 1 in 4 children screened have urgent oral health needs requiring early intervention services.
Hearing Screening
Utilizing the latest in hearing screening equipment, the Hearing First program screens children under age 6 for undetected hearing issues and assists them with accessing follow-up auditory care. The goal is to identify children 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-2). These questionnaires are standardized with high reliability and validity designed to help parents/caregivers monitor a child’s development and identify potential challenges.
Children are referred to the Help Me Grow/KidConnections Network of Providers for further assessment and early intervention services as needed. If you have a child with behavioral health needs, please call 1-800-704-0900 ask to speak with someone from the KidConnections team.