Free ’12-Point Kid Inspections’ set Dec. 4 in Bend

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.

On Friday, December 4 th Healthy Beginnings will bring its 12-Point Kid Inspection to Bend. At these screening clinics, each child receives nearly $3,000 worth of assessment services at no cost to the family. There are no eligibility requirements and all families are welcome to attend.

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. Parents and children birth through five meet one-on-one with as many as 12 health and development professionals and families are encouraged to attend regardless of insurance coverage. 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.

New at this screening, Healthy Beginnings will begin introducing and sharing Vroom, a new state wide initiative that empowers parents and caregivers to play a proactive role in their children’s early brain development.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly eight in every 10 children miss a developmental screening. To receive adequate preventative care, the CDC recommends that all young children have developmental screenings at least 3 times prior to entering kindergarten.

Additional screenings are recommended for autism spectrum disorder at 18 months and at either 24 or 30 months. The CDC also recommends hearing screenings as well. A Healthy Beginnings screening covers all this and much more. It serves as an important first step for caring, 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, December 4 th screening clinic in Bend. The clinic will be hosted by the Foundry Church, 60 NW Oregon Avenue. 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. This screening is sponsored by PacificSource Health Plans. Additional support is provided by United Way of Deschutes County, and the Bend La Pine School District. Please visit our website at 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 HB’s website to make your child’s appointment, to donate or to volunteer.

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