Course Description

This comprehensive course is designed to equip primary care clinicians with the essential knowledge and tools to identify children at risk for developmental delays and refer them to appropriate therapeutic and diagnostic services. Through a blend of text-based learning, case studies, videos, and screencasts, participants will gain expertise in performing recommended developmental screening and surveillance, as well as referring at-risk children to Early Intervention services.

What Students Will Learn

• Differentiate between developmental screening and developmental surveillance
• Understand and implement American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for routine developmental screening and surveillance
• Interpret and apply routine developmental screening in clinical practice
• Recognize eligibility criteria for Early Intervention services and available resources
• Make appropriate Early Intervention referrals based on geographic area
• Comprehend and explain Individualized Family Service Plans
• Effectively communicate with and support families throughout the screening and referral process

Pre-requisites

While there are no specific prerequisites for this course, it is designed for healthcare professionals, particularly those in Family Medicine & Community Health, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and affiliated professions in healthcare, mental health, education, and social services who provide care to infants, young children, and their families.

Course Content

• Overview of developmental screening and surveillance
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for screening and surveillance
• Implementation of routine developmental screening in clinical practice
• Early Intervention services: eligibility criteria and available resources
• Making appropriate Early Intervention referrals
• Understanding and explaining Individualized Family Service Plans
• Effective communication with families during screening and referral processes
• Case-based learning scenarios for practical application
• Interviews with Early Intervention providers and parents
• Screencasts and videos demonstrating key concepts and procedures

Target Audience

This advanced-level course is ideal for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, mental health practitioners, educators, and social service providers who work with infants, young children, and their families. It is particularly relevant for those in Family Medicine & Community Health, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics who want to enhance their skills in developmental screening and early intervention.

Real-World Application

The skills acquired in this course will enable healthcare professionals to:

1. Implement effective developmental screening and surveillance protocols in their practice
2. Identify children at risk for developmental delays early on
3. Make timely and appropriate referrals to Early Intervention services
4. Improve communication with families about developmental concerns and interventions
5. Collaborate more effectively with Early Intervention providers
6. Enhance overall patient care and outcomes for young children with developmental delays
7. Contribute to better long-term developmental outcomes for children in their care

Accreditation

This course offers 2.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians who complete the program, making it an excellent opportunity for professional development and continued education in the field of pediatric developmental care.