Healthy Young Athletes
Healthy Young Athletes provides children ages 2-7 with a comprehensive health screening. Children receive a developmental screening, vision & hearing test, vitals check, and a full physical. Families are connected with local services and resources following the screening
Healthy Young Athletes Info & Resources:
To ensure all children can access quality and appropriate services and supports, Special Olympics has developed the Healthy Young Athletes Pediatric Screening as a holistic screening to identify previously undiagnosed health and development conditions in children with ID. The pediatric screening is intended to complement a child’s primary care and provide an additional review of the child’s health and development. The screening is paired with a comprehensive referral and community support strategy that links families with providers, community services, and education resources for follow-up and continued support.
The screening includes four key sections:
- A prescreening to be completed by the child’s parent, legal guardian, or primary caregiver prior toa screening event or while waiting to see a provider at the screening.
- A developmental screening which is intended to be used to identify potential developmental strengths and delays in areas like language and communication, social-emotional skills, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. (see page 2 for more information)
- A medical screening focused on identifying underlying medical conditions that could contribute towards growth and developmental delays, as well as behavioral issues.
- Resources and referrals for families and caregivers. The materials will highlight concerns addressed during the screenings, information on follow-up care, resources that support a family as they navigate the healthcare system and related support services and strategies for health and wellness in the home.
Resources for Healthcare Professionals
Interested in becoming a Healthy Young Athletes clinical director?
Clinical Directors are an important part of the Healthy Athletes team. Clinical Directors are responsible for working with their local Special Olympics Program and other volunteer health professionals in coordinating a Healthy Young Athlete event in their region.
If you are interested in becoming a clinical director or learning more, please fill out this form.
Interested in volunteering at a Healthy Young Athletes event?
Volunteer roles are available for individuals of all backgrounds including pediatricians, nurses, audiologists, teachers, physical therapists, social workers, and students
Examples of volunteer roles available at Healthy Young Athlete screenings include:
- Developmental screening
- Vitals station
- Family registration
- Child play station
- Resources and follow-up information
- Physical exam station
To register to volunteer at a Healthy Young Athlete event contact Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu