Abstract
Early detection of delay/disability is recommended so that early intervention can begin as soon as possible in hope of improving developmental and behavioral outcomes for young children. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine and periodic screenings (AAP, 2020). Routine screenings are also recommended by Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC Recommended Practices), across education, health, and social sectors. Developmental-behavioral screening is a quick look at what the child can do now. When there is a failure to swiftly detect an at-risk condition, developmental delay, other atypical milestone pattern, or disability, the benefits of connecting to community-based services may be compromised from the tyranny of time while brain plasticity diminishes. A child is vulnerable during the early years of life. A “wait and see” approach is incongruous with everything that we have learned about brain plasticity. Throughout the world services for young children were disrupted, halted, or canceled during the health crisis due to COVID-19 (UNICEF 2020; United Nations Children’s Fund, 2020). Children from rural settings are more likely to have difficulty accessing services. Rural or hard to reach areas may find it difficult to locate developmental screening services. Access to services is one of the barriers faced by many families. In countries around the world, locating and connecting children who are eligible for special services due to a delay, risk or disability is problematic. This study explores core concepts for equitable and inclusive developmental screening in rural communities.
Presenters
Marisa MacyCille and Ron Williams Endowed Chair of Early Childhood Education & Buffett Early Childhood Institute Community Chair, Teacher Education, University of Nebraska Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
Developmental Screening, Delay, Disability, Children, Accessible Communities
