Healthy Beginnings offers 12-point ‘kid inspections’ in La Pine

What parent doesn’t have questions? Is your child’s development on track? Will their smile last a lifetime and can they hear and see okay? Health and development from birth through age five is critical to your child’s success.

Healthy Beginnings can help you answer these questions and more. There are no eligibility requirements for this free service.

On Friday, August 7 th , Healthy Beginnings will bring its 12-Point Kid Inspection to La Pine and South County. At these screening clinics, each child receives nearly $3,000 worth of assessment services at no cost to the family. The service is free – and it is service perfect for all families.

Healthy Beginnings screens young children in hearing, speech and language, motor skills, cognitive development, vision, health and safety, dental, behavior and nutrition, information regarding early literacy and car seat safety is also provided. Access to professionals and trained volunteers in all these essential core areas is available at the time of the screening.

Much different than a pediatric visit, parents and children birth through five meet one-on-one with as many as 12 health and development professionals and families are welcome to attend whether or not they have health insurance. Referrals are made for any child identified in need of additional services with community resources provided to all families. Healthy Beginnings can even provide information and assistance with Oregon’s health insurance application process.

According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly eight in every 10 children miss a developmental screening. As such, the CDC concluded that young children are not receiving adequate preventive care. The CDC recommends that all young children be screened for developmental development at 9, 18, and either 24 or 30 months, and for autism spectrum disorder at 18 months and at either 24 or 30 months. The CDC also recommends hearing screenings when indicated.

A Healthy Beginnings screening covers all this and much more. It serves as an important first step for concerned parents and one stop shopping for community resources for hundreds of families every year.

Healthy Beginnings, a unique program available only in Central Oregon, works to assure parents that their children are developing appropriately or if needed, the program makes referrals for in-depth evaluation and further treatment. Parenting information and community resources are provided free as well. Every family attending a Healthy Beginnings screening receives extensive information on the health and development of their child. In addition, early literacy information and kindergarten readiness as well as parent education are also provided.

Don’t miss this opportunity, appointments are still being accepted for the Friday, August 7 th screening clinic in La Pine. The clinic will be hosted by the La Pine Parks and Recreation Center on First Street, appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome between 9:00 and 11:00 am.

Healthy Beginnings is one of many programs offered in partnership with the High Desert Education Service District.

Additional support is provided by United Way of Deschutes County, Sunriver Rotary, Sunriver Women’s Club and the Bend La Pine School District.

Please visit our website at http://www.myhb.org for a full listing of screening dates and cities as well as detailed information about our program, volunteer, and donation opportunities. Community links to additional services can also be found on our website.

Call to learn more – 541.383.6357 or visit our website to make your child’s appointment, to donate or to volunteer.

Healthy Beginnings is a “21 Cares for Kids” partner.