craigdailypress.com

When it comes to recognizing a developmental delay in their children, parents aren't prone to judge.

"They'll grow out of it," is the mantra of those untrained in spotting the clues that indicate a growing problem.

Moffat County's Child Find team is offering a better alternative to guessing. They're hosting a development screening from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 and April 1. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling Sarah or Katrina at 824-7457. Space is limited, and all slots typically are filled by as many as four days before the event.

Children younger than 5 years old are tested in several areas including vision, health, hearing, dental, speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, cognition and social and emotional development.

"This is to help parents determine whether there's a concern or a delay or whether their child's development is right on target," said Sarah Hepworth, Moffat County School District early childhood specialist.

More than 100 children will be screened during the two-day event, but that's not the only opportunity for parents to have their children screened. Those who cannot attend the screening can call Hepworth and schedule a screening year-round at the Early Childhood Center.

It's the responsibility of the five-member Child Find team to ferret out and help children with significant delays in their development. If they find cause for concern, they'll refer that family to the services they need.

"This is the educational system's effort to catch problems early to get kids ready for school," Hepworth said.

Without seeing the numbers on paper, Hepworth can't count the number of times the screenings provided critical early intervention.

"There are lots of kids we've seen that parents were not aware they're development in one area was not typical," she said. "There is a line where you've got to be concerned they're not just going to grow out of it."

The screenings provide a snapshot, Hepworth said. They're not diagnostic.

"We don't make any judgments just based on that snapshot," she said.

If screeners find an area of concern, they'll refer the child for further testing in a different environment.

"We're just looking for those red flags," Hepworth said.