The earlier a child is screened, the better the outcome.
That was one of the key takeaways from the All-Network Coalition Meeting on April 14, which focused on the importance of normalizing childhood screenings. Platform Partners and Coalition Members featured at the meeting were Belle Children’s Services of St. Louis Arc, Delta Gamma, First Steps, the Normandy Early Learning Center, Parents as Teachers, and the Special School District.
“The earlier you intervene, the less likely a child is to need lifelong supports,” explained Mark Keely, President and CEO of St. Louis Arc. “The brain adapts at earlier ages to changes, so the earlier we can make those changes in a child, the less likely they’re going to need more intensive interventions later in life.”
5byAge5 coalition members collectively screened 994 children in 2021, which represents nearly 40% of all children in the Normandy Schools Collaborative footprint, a better number than the national average of 30%, according to Constance Gully, President and CEO of Parents as Teachers.
What many parents don’t realize is that screenings aren’t just about kindergarten readiness. They also support a child’s entire social and emotional development. For example, if a child is behind in their speech ability, it’s harder for them to communicate with teachers and socialize with peers.
When a child has difficulties socially due to developmental delays, it can lead to behavior problems and feelings of isolation. Likewise, when a child’s issues are addressed, they have an easier time expressing themselves and getting along well with others.
“Screenings are paramount,” stated Belinda Howard, School Nurse at the Normandy Early Learning Center. “They are our way to identify and address any health barriers that may affect our students’ behavior and academic performance.”
Coalition Partners and Members work with teachers and other community members who work with children to provide a variety of screenings and services that help families and children.
“Having those screenings and having those partnerships where we collaborate with others means we can immediately address concerns,” Howard continued.
These early interventions help the entire family develop better relationships with each other, too. 5byAge5 coalition members work with parents and caregivers to track children’s progress and work together to improve essential skills that children need to develop before kindergarten.
“Screenings are really for kids and their families,” explained Juli Darlington, Service Coordinator at First Steps. “Parents and caregivers are essential to measuring a child’s progress, so that relationship is key. We encourage them to talk about how the child is learning, how they’re getting along with others, and what new things they’re trying. We’re teaching the family how to screen as well.”
Coalition members discussed ways that they could collaborate to help families, such as referring families to one another and providing information on how families in need could receive both intervention and supplies, such as glasses, to help their children. Most importantly, coalition members can help by spreading awareness and normalizing the screening process for families.
“Screenings matter. Screenings work,” stated Dana Lewis, Screening Coordinator for Parents as Teachers. “They’re one of the most accurate tools to let us know what’s going on. Keep the word going, get it out there. That would be a great help to everyone.”