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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Blythe Berger, ScD and Tammy Ledoux. Division of Family Health, Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Rm 302, Providence, RI 02908, 4012225949, blythe.berger@health.ri.gov

Research demonstrates that standardized developmental screening of young children identifies physical, cognitive, and emotional health issues that may go undetected by health care providers, parents, and other caregivers. However, many young children do not receive comprehensive developmental screening, resulting in missed opportunities to intervene early to prevent and correct developmental delay and disability. State MCH and CSHCN programs are increasingly looking to better serve children age birth through five and their families. Developmental screening detects developmental delays and disabilities at a much higher rate than clinical judgment alone and should be a component of primary prevention efforts. The Rhode Island Department of Health and Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics are developing and piloting a model to integrate community developmental screening into natural settings, to ensure children are connected to the appropriate follow-up and treatment services, and to build relationships and partnerships between parents, health care providers, child care providers, and others. Results will demonstrate whether developmental screening in child care and home settings identifies children that need further evaluation at higher rates than exist with the current system, and if including home and child care environments creates better connections between medical homes and other settings. The project will use a standardized assessment tool and draw from the experiences of other states and experts in the field.

Learning Objectives: