Child Development Centres

Who needs a Child Development Centre?

 

 

The service is for pre-school children with physical or developmental delay who may need additional help, support or intervention in order to reach their potential. If children show delay in development in two or more areas, for example physical development and communication development they may need to be assessed at the Child Development Centre.

 

 

Access to the Child Development Centre

Referrals are accepted from Paediatricians.

 

Referral criteria:

• Children for whom there are significant concerns in 2 or more areas of development, who may or may not have a diagnosis
• Children registered with any Birmingham GP
• Children under 5 where children attend pre-school provision, it should be demonstrated that the CDC will provide added value.

 

Children and Families Services Referral Form

 

 

Services provided by a Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centres are supportive and inclusive and take into account other services available to children in the community. The service offers an integrated and coordinated approach for children using a “team around the family” ethos.

Birmingham Child Development Centres offer 3 pathways:

• Neuro developmental pathway 
• Early development pathway  children under 5 
• Global developmental pathway children under 5 
• CDC journey flowchart.

 

 

The multidisciplinary team

This involves a range of health professionals, who will work together to deliver a comprehensive package of care for children. Within the Child Development Centres this comprises of:

 

Clinical Assistants

Clinical assistants will be your first point of contact at the child development centre. They will support you through the assessment process.

 

Speech and Language Therapists

The Speech and Language Therapist looks at communication interaction and language skills. Feeding and swallowing skills will be assessed if required.

 

Clinical Psychologist

The clinical Psychologists are involved in the assessment for Autistic Spectrum disorder. They will look at your child’s emotional, behavioural and cognitive strengths and needs. 

 

Consultant Paediatricians and Registrars

Consultant Paediatricians and Registrars assess all children referred to the CDC to determine their medical needs and diagnosis. They may refer children to other services or professionals.

 

Clinical Co-ordinators

They coordinate the services provided by the multidisciplinary team and are the main point of contact for staff, families and other professionals. They are the link between the family, the team and other agencies involved.

 

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapy assesses children to establish any movement and posture difficulties.. Input involves advice and the recommendation of exercise and positioning programmes for families. Onward referral e.g. orthotics wheelchair services and other professionals can be made. Input may also involve the assessment and provision of equipment such as specialist seating walking aids or standing frames.

 

Occupational Therapists

The Occupational Therapist will check fine motor skills. This is concerned with how we learn to handle and manipulate toys and other objects. They may also be involved in assessing children for appropriate equipment and aids. They may be involved in assessing your children’s sensory needs.

 

Secretarial Team

The Secretarial team is responsible for the all the administrative duties concerned with children within the centre.

 

 

Additional advice and support

Additional advice and support from the following organisations;

• Autism West Midlands
• The Hanen Centre: lots if helpful strategies to manage your child’s communication needs
• National Autistic Society: Amazing Things Happen