Why are ASQ's Important?
Are Our Children.....Ready for School. Ready for Life.
Did you know 85% of brain development occurs between birth and 5 years of age?
Research shows that more than 85% of a child's brain network is wired in the first five years of life. The greatest opportunity to be a self sufficient individual is created within this small window of time.
Early childhood success in school leads to long-term improvement in high school graduation rates reduced rates in teen pregnancy, lower rates of incarceration and increased job success.
Smart Beginnings of Martinsville and Henry (SBMH) is a community coalition working with parents and caregivers to provide resources and knowledge needed to make the most of this small window of time so that ALL children are ready for success when they enter school.
Services for SBMH are coordinated through a free resource center providing developmental screening and information and referral assistance.
________________________________________________________
Ages and Stages Questionnaire Screenings (ASQ) - Simple survey completed by the parent along with assistance from Smart Beginnings staff just to see "how is my child doing?" It is an easy way for parents to learn more about what they should be helping their child learn at each stage and aids in early detection of any potential problems.
In June, Smart Beginnings and the Coalition for Health and Wellness entered into a partnership with the local Health Department to provide ASQ screenings during WIC Clinic visits. This partnership has allowed us to provide the important screening to at-risk families, and assisted in identifying potential delays, with 1 out of every 3 children referred for additional professional evaluation.
Connecting Families to Services - through partnership with community and regional agencies, Smart Beginnings (SBMH) assists with referrals to agencies to support the development and needs of the child. Staff is also available to assist the parent in their role as their child's first teacher.
For More Information, please feel free to contact us:
Brenda Jordan
Services Coordinator
