BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville FCSS is organizing an event where parents can book a free appointment to have their children evaluated by professionals using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
“The value of the evaluation will allow parents to recognize the child's strengths and areas that the child could build on. Parents receive information, strategies and support from professionals on how to promote skills that will help ensure their child's success,” said Leanne Doonanco with Bonnyville FCSS.
Evaluations will take place at the C2 Centre in Bonnyville, on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Doonanco explained that the evaluations are targeting children between the ages of zereo to five, and that it can be a benefit to both parents and children.
“Measuring your child may be intimidating to some parents, however this ASQ is not a judgement on parenting but a collaboration with community members to help support parents and children in their healthy family journey,” said Doonanco.
Children will be measured in areas such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social-emotional skills, speech and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
“We have professionals from Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, Lakeland Family Resource Centre, and FCSS to help navigate parents in any questions or concerns they may have . . . The screening will take about an hour with the parent and child visiting different stations that will gauge the child in all areas of development,”
The professionals performing the ASQ include speech therapists, occupational therapists, and Infant and childhood development professionals.
Doonanco explained that professionals suggest having your child assessed annually.
