This program provides increased access to early screening assessment and intervention for developmental, behavioral, emotional, social and other "at risk" conditions in children ages 0 through 5. At the screenings, the children are taken through eight different stations and are seen by occupational and physical therapists, an audiologist, a speech therapist, a cognitive specialist, vision specialist, mental health professional and nurses who will refer them for additional service if needed. The screenings test for such things as autism, speech delays and for any sign of mental health problems. Each screener will document any concerns and note whether or not a referral is needed to another agency for additional evaluation. Parents or caregivers will leave with a copy of the screening. If referrals have been made, they will know what agency(s) will further evaluate their children. FSN collaborates with the following agencies on this project: 1. The Intervention Center for Early Childhood 2. Newport Speech and Language Center 3. Children's Therapy Center 4. Blind Children's Learning Center 5. Regional Center of Orange County 6. VNA Home Health Systems 7. Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County FSN takes these screenings out into the community to make them easily accessible to families who have limited or no transportation. Places such as Head Start programs, schools, chruches and resource and community centers are excellent sites for screenings because they are places families already attend. This is the only community-based program of its kind in the county and is free to all families who attend. Please refer to the upcoming Schedule to see where the next developmental screening will be held. If you are interested in hosting a screening, please call us.
This program is funded by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. Please refer to the Links page to learn more about the Commission.
Download the Developmental Screening Program flyer here (available in English and Spanish)