News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
Group uncovers lack of developmental screening for Allen County kids
Experts say it may contribute to poor kindergarten readiness(July 31, 2015) – For the past several months, a dedicated group of social service, mental health, education and medical experts have been working through a disciplined process to identify the root causes for poor kindergarten readiness for the children of our community. This group represents one of the seven subcommittees developing the Community Health Improvement Plan for Children (CHIP) focused on ensuring that all children in Allen County are physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy and educated to their highest potential. Research demonstrates that the lack of standardized developmental screening for all children at an early age followed by early intervention is a profound barrier to both kindergarten readiness and long-term academic and economic success.
The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne and the CHIP Education Subcommittee will host three experts who will discuss the importance to both the individual and our community of early childhood screening. They will also discuss the tremendous treatment services available to ensure that all children are able to have a successful educational experience and a bright future.
Early Brain Development, Epigenetics and the Need for Standardized Screening
Nancy Swigonski, MD, MPH, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine and Fairbanks School of Public Health; President Indiana chapter of the American Academy of PediatricsThe Advantages of Early Intervention
Lisa A. Bergeron, MD, FAAP
Medical Director of Parkview Physicians Group Developmental Care ClinicIntegrated and Intensive Intervention: A Big Idea for Northeast Indiana
Dr. Jeanne Zehr
MindCAPThe session will be held at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne on August 4th at 2:30 pm at 555 E. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, 46802.