Connecting Point is a project of the Sedgwick County Early Childhood Coordinating Council, which strives to improve the quality of early childhood services and reflect the diversity of the community.
Screen for Success is provided by Wichita Public Schools and Rainbows United, Inc.- Connecting Point, and connects children and families to community resources.
The screening is free for families with children ages birth to 5 years old and often leads to resources to help the child and family. Children birth to 3 years old are eligible for screening through Screen for Success if they live in Sedgwick County. Children ages 3 to 5 years old need to reside in the Wichita Public School District. The children are referred by family doctors, daycares, or family members.
The screening is a way to check a child’s general development, hearing, vision, speech/language and behavior. At a screening, parents have an opportunity to discuss concerns and screening options. Unique to Screen for to Success, a child may be referred for a Behavioral Mental Health screening. A qualified Mental Health Specialist from Rainbows United provides the screening. The specialist can then assist parents in finding early childhood mental health resources.
“Connecting Point takes pride in the quality of services we provide at Screen for Success,” said Cayla Wasson, Connecting Point Coordinator.
Cayla and Christy Hutto, Connecting Point Program Assistant have worked together since 1998. From the initial phone call from a parent to the follow up of the screening, these two professionals work to make sure the child and family receive the best possible experience through Connecting Point.
The screening schedule is individualized for each child who is then screened by a professional knowledgeable in early childhood. Overall results are discussed, and each child leaves with a Kid Kit folder of community resources and basic developmental information as well as the results of the screening.
If the screening indicates a need for further evaluation, children under the age of 3 years old may be referred to Rainbows’ Infant/Toddler Services for an assessment. Children ages 3 to 5 years old may be referred to Wichita Public School District.
Screenings are held twice a month at Westlink Church of Christ and Wichita State University. To schedule a screening, families simply call Connecting Point at 316.267.3535.
