Early education screenings to be implemented by DOE

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced its Birth to Five: Watch me Thrive! program, which aims to get all children on the same track once they reach kindergarten.

This is part of a nationwide push to enhance early childhood education. Gov. Mike Pence signed House Bill 1004 into law Thursday, which will create a pilot pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds in up to five Indiana counties.

The Birth to Five program encourages behavioral and developmental screenings for young children to help catch problems early on. The program also encourages families to celebrate milestones their children reach.

“Early screening can lead to better access to services and supports, which can enhance children’s learning and development, minimize developmental delays and result in more positive outcomes in school and life,” said Michael Yudin, acting assistant secretary for the U.S. Education Department’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, in an USDOE press release.

These screenings will check children’s development progress and find any developmental delays, which can then lead to getting these children the help they need.

According to the release, the initiative is meant to encourage early childhood experts — including practitioners in early care and education, primary health care, early intervention, child welfare and mental health — to work with children and their families.
Most children are diagnosed with autism after the age of 4, although it can be diagnosed as early as age 2, according to the release.

Rebecca Swanson, instructor for early childhood education at Hoosier Hills Career Center, assists high school students interested in working with children in the education field.

Swanson said she thinks the new program seems like a sound option, and said she is also supportive of any federal money going toward early childhood education in any capacity.

Getting kids the support they need helps them catch up and go to school without being held back, Swanson said.

Swanson said at this point in a child’s life, the brain is developing very fast, faster than at any other point in life. If a child is delayed developmentally before the age of 5, it can be harder for them to catch up once they get to school.

Swanson said the initiative will be especially great if it works hand in hand with other programs, such as Head Start, a federal program that helps children from low income families prepare for school by age 5.

It is important to get children learning experiences early on becausechildren’s brains are like sponges at this age and they are excited to learn, Swanson said.

“Every family looks forward to celebrating a child’s first steps or first words,” Linda Smith, HHS deputy assistant secretary and interdepartmental liaison for early childhood development for children and families, said in the release.

“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.”