July 28, 2015 –The California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, dedicated to improving the quality of neonatal care in the state, has recognized the CHOC Children’s Early Developmental Assessment Center (EDAC) for exceeding recommended rates for high risk follow-up care. CHOC’s EDAC was one of only 12 centers, out of 71 in the state, to earn the recognition.
Infants who have spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit may be at risk for developmental difficulties. Early intervention can often make a dramatic difference in the quality of life as the child grows and develops. CHOC’s EDAC, in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine, provides comprehensive assessment to infants and toddlers who may be lagging in their physical, cognitive and/or behavioral development. Following the initial assessment, appointments are strategically timed for critical milestones until the child’s third birthday. CHOC’s EDAC team includes high-risk infant follow-up (HRIF) coordinator, neonatologist, behavioral/developmental pediatrician, registered dietitians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, social worker, family support liaison and translators.
“Our team takes tremendous pride in our outcomes. We work hard to ensure prompt intervention, helping ensure these infants and toddlers meet important developmental milestones. The recognition from the state is wonderful, but seeing our patients grow into healthy children is the biggest reward of all,” says Sarah L. Flores, manager, EDAC.
