Kids Check Program Available in
 Mitchell and Yancey Counties

Pictured above: Kids Check Project Director Beth Cassida with her son Eli.

Kids Check is now available in Mitchell and Yancey Counties.  Kids Check will provide free vision, hearing and developmental screenings for preschool age children. The Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation Inc. recently awarded a grant to the Mitchell-Yancey Partnership for Children to operate this program.   

“Ideally hearing, vision and developmental screenings occur during well child visits with a child’s physician,” said Jennifer Simpson, Executive Director of the Mitchell-Yancey Partnership for Children.  “Unfortunately many local families are unable to afford the cost or co-payment for these visits.  Kids Check will ensure that children and families have access to free screenings” said Simpson.   The screenings are a tool that parents can use to make decisions about additional testing.  The Kids Check Project Director will help families find and access services, filling a much needed gap for Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

Beth Cassida is the Kids Check Project Director.  Cassida, a licensed professional counselor, has a background working with children and families in a therapeutic environment.  “Ms. Cassida brings a variety of strengths to the Kids Check Program,” said Simpson.  “Parents and children like her and because of her experience she will be helpful to families in finding community resources.”  Cassida added this, “I am excited to be a part of a program that offers these vital services to children and families. Early detection of hearing and vision deficits and developmental delays is truly the key. Early detection can lead to interventions that provide optimal outcomes for children.  Just raising the awareness of the family or caregiver about areas of concern for a child can often aide in adjustments or decisions that prevent further problems. I encourage everyone caring for preschool age children to take advantage of this free service.”

For more information about Kids Check contact Beth Cassida in Yancey County at 828-682-5584 in Mitchell County at 828-765-5130, or email her at bethcassida@verizon.net.

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This page was last updated on Thursday, 21 August 2008 10:58 AM