New Sysytem Aids In Better Identifying Development Delays In Children

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 28, 2014 - PRLog -- In an effort to improve the accuracy and efficiency of data sharing, the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC) has introduced the Enterprise Ages and Stages (ASQ) Online System to participating school readiness child care providers in the Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties.

This system supports providers in meeting the State of Florida mandate requiring that all children enrolled in a School Readiness program be screened no later than 45 days from initial enrollment and within each year of their birth date. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a screening tool used to help identify children from one month to 5½ years with communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social developmental delays.

According to Jill Corbett, Supervisor of Assessment and Screening for the ELC, the result is increased accuracy in screening and scoring, faster online access to questionnaires, and supportive management tools for the entire screening program.  Additionally, implementation of the online system means reduced costs for photocopying, mailing and data management.

Susan Block, CEO of the ELC of SWFL stated, “We strive to improve on the delivery of services to children, families and child care providers.  The new on-line system exemplifies our efforts to complete the required assessment and, most importantly, react to assessments that indicate a child is in need of additional supports. Intervening early in a child’s life to support healthy development is the reason why we assess children in the first place.”

School Readiness programs unite with parents as partners to allow children to achieve social and emotional well-being. Parents can gain information about the School Readiness program by visiting www.elcofswfl.org/parents (http://www.elcofswfl.org/parents-sr.php). Limited School Readiness funding (child care assistance) is available by application and on an income basis.

ABOUT THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida exists to enhance the quality of children's lives by providing families, early childhood educators, caregivers and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties, with opportunities to positively impact the future. They are located at 2675 Winkler Avenue, Suite 300, Fort Myers, FL 33901. For details on our many services or to donate, please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org.