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Assessment
& Monitoring Service for Babies Born Prematurely.
The assessment and monitoring service monitors the development
of children who are born prematurely, from referral until
4 years of age.
NICU paediatricians refer babies whom they consider to be
at risk for developmental difficulties because of their premature
birth.
The purpose of the service is to monitor the children as they
grow to ensure their development is not significantly delayed
or disordered.
Babies and their parents/caregivers attend weekly sessions
until four months corrected age. This is a time for sharing
techniques of handling, interaction and play, which will assist
the baby’s learning and general development. Individual
needs and concerns are discussed to complement and support
parenting within family situations.
Regular assessment and monitoring sessions then take place
at 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. At these sessions the
child and parents/caregivers are engaged in a positive assessment
process which is play based and child friendly, to elicit
the child’s best performance.
The sessions end with a discussion, which covers the child’s
strengths and needs, and may include play suggestions to encourage
development in specific areas. A report of the assessment
findings is sent to the parents/caregivers and the referring
paediatrician. |
