Identifying a child’s developmental delays or disabilities and getting them the help they need early leads to better outcomes in school and in life — that’s why it’s so important to assess any concerns about a child’s development as soon as possible.
This fall, Clackamas Education Service District made getting those assessments easier for Clackamas County families by offering seven free hearing and developmental screenings at public libraries and community centers in Sandy, West Linn, Oregon City, Molalla and Milwaukie. These screenings were done in partnership with the libraries, often offered following their scheduled storytimes. The Lions Club also offered vision screenings at several of the events.
“We know that families and caregivers often feel the most comfortable in their local communities,” says Sara Snow, Clackamas ESD director of early intervention/early childhood special education programs. “We can help support families by meeting them where they are to give them tools and resources to support their child.”
Families of children birth to five years old were invited to drop in to meet with friendly speech-language pathologists and inclusion coaches from Clackamas ESD to have their child assessed for hearing problems or developmental delays, get their questions answered, and receive recommendations on the next steps to take to support their child.
“Intervention can often be more effective when provided earlier in a child’s life. Early intervention has the potential to have a great impact on a child’s developmental progress and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities,” Snow explains.
Approximately 30 children were evaluated at the free screening events this fall. Several children were referred for additional evaluation to connect them to needed services. For other children, their parents received the assurance that their child’s development is on track for their age.
One mother in Molalla said, “A family member has a hearing impairment in one ear, and we were concerned our daughter was experiencing the same problem. We’re so thankful that we were able to get answers and information about what to do next, right here in our town.”
More free screenings are on the horizon. We’re working with our community partners to schedule screenings in locations across the county in 2023.
Clackamas ESD’s early intervention and early childhood special education programs offer intervention screening and special education services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children who exhibit delays or disabilities that affect learning. We work hard to fully include children with disabilities in their communities and prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Learn more about our EI/ECSE services.
