Is your kid on track?

Parents will have an opportunity to find out if their children are track this week in Bonnyville. The Bonnyville & District FCSS, along with partners is hosting an Ages & Stages Preschool screening for kids five years of age and younger.

“It’s important for parents to get ahead of any potential problems with development,” explained organizer Leanne Doonanco with the Bonnyville & District FCSS.

“We have professional measure a child’s gross motor, fine motor, social, emotional, problem solving, and personal social skills,” the professionals check how well a child is doing in comparison to the average of kids the same age.

Most parents are familiar with the questionnaires that are available when a child receives its’s vaccinations or booster shots. However, some kids could be missed at those appointments. There are also some parents who may have concerns that need to be addressed more immediately and do not want to wait until their next check up.

“It’s for early intervention,” Donnanco said parents will find out, right at the screening if there’s anything that needs to be addressed.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and a variety of professionals will be on hand, including speech therapists. “If there’s any problem they can refer the child right there,” explained Donnanco.

“It’s a good idea for parents to do it every year. A child grows so much in a year and we want to make sure that they are developing to their full potential.”

Screening will be held at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre on Monday, April 23rd, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm and Tuesday, April 24th, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The screening is free, pre-registration is requested. Drop ins will only be accepted on April 24th, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Call 780-826-2120 to register.