Identifying children’s developmental issues before they start school is critical to their life trajectory, and children’s charity Royal Far West’s award-winning Healthy Kids Bus Stop free screening program for children aged 3-5 has been developed to help identify children who need intervention before they start school.
In November 2017, Royal Far West introduced a mini screening for Glen Innes children. Of the 50 children receiving the speech and occupational therapy checks, 40 were found to need further assessment. Some of the parents said they had been unaware that their child(ren) had developmental issues, and they were thankful they had attended.
Registrations are now open for the comprehensive Healthy Kids Bus Stop program, where each child’s screening will be undertaken by a team of local nursing and allied health staff. Assessments include a child health check; hearing screening; dental check; fine and gross motor skill development screening; language and speech development check; and a food nutrition check, all at the one location in either a morning or afternoon appointment.
Children requiring further assessment will be referred to appropriate local services, and those with complex needs may also be referred to Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program.
The Healthy Kids Bus Stop will be at Glen Innes Public School on 26-28 March.
Everyone from across the region, including Emmaville, Deepwater and Red Range, is welcome to apply for this free screening. Parents and carers need to register online at https://www.royalfarwest.org.au/programs/healthy-kids-bus-stop/, or call Jennifer Dowling or John Reid on 02 8966 8557 for more information.
“The Healthy Kids Bus Stop is a successful initiative running throughout regional and rural NSW. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Royal Far West and deliver free child health checks to children aged 3-5 years in Glen Innes,” says Wendy Mulligan, General Manager of Tablelands Sector.
Royal Far West, in partnership with the Hunter New England Local Health District and Ronald McDonald House Charities, with funding support from the Mary Alice Foundation, are proud to bring this service to the community.
Royal Far West media contact for interviews & more pics: Deb Gibbons 0413 554 834
