EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING PROGRAM

Early childhood looks at normal aspects of an infant or child's health and development while identifying potential problems that need further evaluation. Government is committed to providing universal access to early diagnostic tests for children under age six, as early and timely treatment can often provide the healthiest outcomes.

Hearing Screening – “A Sound Start” (approximately $19 million over three years)

Each year in British Columbia, almost 120 babies are born deaf or hard of hearing. Currently, there is no provincewide hearing screening program for infants in B.C. A program entitled,

“A Sound Start” will be phased in to ensure that children born with congenital hearing loss will receive early screening, diagnosis and treatment. The program will be delivered and managed through the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and the regional health authorities. Support and services for families and children will be provided from birth through the preschool years. Treatment and support thereafter will tie in to existing services.

Dental Screening and Supporting Programs (approximately $35 million over three years)

Funding will increase capacity to identify dental health problems in children and refer them to the right treatment. The new infant and early childhood program will consist of several components including:

Screening to detect infants who may be at risk for early childhood cavities.
Identifying early childhood dental concerns and assisting parents in accessing treatment.

· Funding through a Ministry of Health Services and UBC faculty of dentistry partnership for dental community residents, who will be placed in communities where access to dental service is a challenge.

· Funding through a partnership with the Ministry of Health Services and Provincial Health Services Authority, through Children and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia to support dental treatments for children who have a severe genetic dental condition, called ectodermal dysplasia.

· Preventative educational campaign to be launched in partnership with the B.C. Dental Association to inform parents and caregivers on how best to prevent dental decay in young children.

· Increasing dental coverage for children in families on income assistance as well as those receiving MSP premium assistance (Healthy Kids Program).

While some health authorities have various components of these programs, enhanced services will ensure that all infants and preschool children who require service have access to these programs.

Vision Screening (approximately $19 million over three years)

Excellent sight and eye health are critical to a child’s development. B.C. does not currently have a systematic approach to identifying preschool children with vision impairment. The new vision screening program will be phased in and will ensure that parents and early childhood educators have important information on children’s eye health and vision. It will also ensure that children with vision impairment receive early intervention and treatment to optimize their ability to adapt and learn throughout childhood. Other elements of the program include:

· Education and support for parents through regional health authorities’ child health clinics.

· Additional funding for prescription glasses for children from families receiving income assistance as well as those receiving Medical Service Plan Premium Assistance.

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Media contact:	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Health Services 250 952-1887

Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.