Health prevention efforts, through physical and developmental health screenings, help with the early identification of problems with hearing, vision, oral health, and developmental and/or behavioral delays, which if left untreated can result in poor academic and health outcomes.
FIRST 5 invests in preventative healthcare efforts through Healthier Kids Foundation, which offers children under age 6 in Santa Clara County vision, dental and hearing screenings and connects families to early intervention services. Physical and developmental health screenings that are evidence-based, standardized, and implemented using state-of-the-art tools help with early identification of problems, that if left untreated can result in poor academic and health outcomes for children as they age.
Vision Screening
FIRST 5 supports the Vision First program that uses a high-tech digital optic scan camera to conduct vision screenings for children as young as six months in childcare, preschool, community-based, and school settings. These screenings detect vision problems and case managers connect families to follow-up care.
Oral Health Screening
FIRST 5 invests in oral health screening to ensure that children with dental health concerns are identified at a young age and offered appropriate dental care. The program found that more than 1 in 4 children screened have urgent oral health needs requiring early intervention services.
Hearing Screening
Utilizing the latest in hearing screening equipment, the Hearing First program screens children under age 6 for undetected hearing issues and assists them with accessing follow-up auditory care. The goal is to identify children most likely to have a hearing impairment that may interfere with development, communication, health, and education.
Developmental Screening
FIRST 5 collaborates with partners to identify children at risk for poor developmental and behavioral health. FIRST 5 partners utilize the Ages and Stages Questionnaires® Third Edition (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires®: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE-2). These questionnaires are standardized with high reliability and validity designed to help parents/caregivers monitor a child’s development and identify potential challenges.
Children who have Medi-Cal health insurance are referred to the KidConnections Network of Providers for further assessment and early intervention services as needed. If you have a child with behavioral health needs, please call 1-800-704-0900 and ask to speak with someone from the KidConnections team.