As many as one in four children through age 5 is at risk for a developmental delay or disability.  A new federal effort to encourage healthy child development, universal developmental and behavioral screening for children was announced recently.  The program, titled “Birth to 5:  Watch Me Thrive”, also aims to provide support for the families and providers who care for them.  The program hopes that earlier screening and intervention will cut down on special education costs later on.

Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! will help families and providers:

• Celebrate milestones. Every family looks forward to seeing a child’s first smile, first step, and first words. Regular screenings help raise awareness of a child’s development, making it easier to expect and celebrate developmental milestones.
• Promote universal screening. Just like hearing and vision screenings assure that children can hear and see clearly, developmental and behavioral screenings track a child’s progress in areas such as language, social, or motor development.
• Identify possible delays and concerns early. With regular screenings, families, teachers, and other professionals can assure that young children get the services and supports they need, as early as possible to help them thrive alongside their peers.
• Enhance developmental supports. Combining the love and knowledge families have of their children with tools, guidance, and tips recommended by experts can make the most of the developmental support children receive.

Please see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website for further information.