There is a critical need for preventive services for young children to be timely, comprehensive and responsive. Waiting until preschool or Kindergarten to screen young children creates a gap and delay in identifying the development of possible problems. Research demonstrates that early identification and intervention is key and that the first three years of a child’s life are the most important time for development in a child’s life.
The Northeast Colorado Health Department collaborates with several human service organizations across northeast Colorado to provide Healthy Child Clinics that provides free screenings for children ages 6 months through 5 years old for hearing, vision, developmental, speech/language, and social-emotional development and dental. In addition, immunizations are provided as well. These clinics are an opportunity for each child to receive a multi-disciplinary evaluation and open a window of opportunity for families to help their children develop to their full potential.