PHCA Developmental Screening Program

All normal and healthy children should have routine physical exams to screen for potential medical problems. The physicians at PHCA believe all children should also have routine evaluations of how they learn. This can identify issues that might interfere with a child’s ability to acquire new skills and knowledge, especially in school. That’s why PHCA offers formal developmental screening, done by an experienced early childhood developmental specialist, for our three and four year-old patients.

What is a developmental screening?

You and your child would meet with the early childhood developmental specialist in the familiar surroundings of our office. When you make an appointment for the developmental screen, you will be given a parent questionnaire that you should fill out before the appointment. The developmental specialist will review the questionnaire with you before the screening. To your child, the appointment will be an easy, non-threatening “play-time” with a teacher. You will stay with your child during the visit. The screening will take about 45 minutes.

What will developmental screening tell us?

Developmental screening is not an IQ test, and is not intended for use as a school readiness or entrance exam. It is used to call attention to any obstacles that might stand in the way of your child’s success in school—whether behavioral or medical in origin—and help identify the next steps that should be taken. We believe that the earlier we address a problem, the greater our chance of avoiding significant learning and/or emotional problems for your child.

The front desk staff would be happy to book an appointment for your child. You may also call the Peabody office at (978)535-1110. Press # 6 and then press option # 2 (physicals and rechecks) to book an appointment with our developmental specialist.

Laurie Hark, M.Ed