Maternal and Child Health key ages and stages framework
The Office for Children within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) has developed a new key ages and stages (KAS) framework for statewide roll out. The framework was piloted in four local government areas in 2008 and now all Victorian Maternal and Child Health nurses have received training.
One of the major changes is the implementation of Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS). PEDS is a 10 item questionnaire that asks parents about their child's development. Parents will receive a PEDS booklet with an explanation on how and when to complete the PEDS response forms. Parents will be asked to keep this booklet with the child health record book and bring to each maternal and child health visit.
Why PEDS?
'As a parent you know your child better than anyone else does. You may notice things about your child that concern you - perhaps even things that no one else has noticed. Research tells us that sharing your concerns about your child can help our Maternal and Child Health nurses understand your child better, and may also help pick up any problems early on. The PEDS contains questions that ask you about any concerns you have about your child. It is important that you share these with your nurse: together we can work towards the best outcomes for your child'
Dr Estelle Irving
Senior Research Fellow/Senior Project Officer
Centre for Community Child Health
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne
If any concerns are elicited using the PEDS, then a detailed
assessment is completed using the BRIGANCE screens. These
screens are recognised, validated tools of assessment. They are
designed to identify children who may have language, learning or
global developmental problems and to identify children who may have
academic talent or intellectual giftedness.
For more information regarding the Maternal and Child Health key ages and stages framework, contact the Nillumbik Community Health Service on 9430 9100.