The Georgia Learning Resources System and the local school system are participating in a Child Find effort, looking for children who are in need of special education services.

Children develop a lot during their first five years and it is very important that they develop to the best of their abilities, according to education experts. Problems are not uncommon, be they physical, emotional or learning. These problems can often get in the way of development, but the sooner they are identified, the easier they can be to overcome.

Some possible indications of a problem can be found in the child's sight, speech or hearing. If children complain that their eyes hurt, if their eyes droop, if the pupils are uneven, if they excessively rub their eyes, or hold their heads at an awkward angle when they look at something, it could be indicating a disability. By the age of 1, a child should be able to focus on a small object and pick it up.

If your child does not turn his head in the direction of a sound, or always turns the same ear toward the sound, this may indicate a problem. Other indicators are the child talking either very loudly or quietly, as well as complaints of a constant ear ache or a liquid “running” from the ears.

Problems with speech also can be an indicator of a developmental problem. A child at the age of 1 should be able to say basic words like “Mama” and “Dada.” By the age of 2, the child should be able to name members of the family or toys. If by the age of 4 your child cannot say short, complete sentences or cannot be understood by people who are not used to his or her speech patterns, it may signal a development disability.

Children do not need to hit every mark perfectly to be developing normally. The indicators mentioned before would most likely be teamed up with other symptoms that would indicate a problem more clearly. If you have questions about the development of your child, contact your local physician.

If you would like more information about the resources available for your child, call the Metro South Georgia Learning Resource Center in Griffin at 770-412-4082.

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