Georgia SEED - How to Prepare

Child Developmental Evaluation

An important part of this study is the developmental evaluation. You can choose to bring your child to a study clinic or have project staff come to your home. 

In either setting, the evaluator will introduce herself and answer any questions you might have. She will then play with your child to make him or her more comfortable. The evaluation will start after your child is comfortable with the evaluator. You may sit with your child during the evaluation to make him or her more comfortable. The evaluator will ask your child some questions and engage him or her in some structured play activities. Your child will be able to take a break if needed. If your child cannot complete the evaluation, you can continue at another time.

 

Clinic visits

Children must be able to walk by themselves to complete the evaluation at a study clinic. The evaluation also requires that your child does not have any significant hearing or vision impairments. You may want to bring one of your child’s favorite toys for him or her to play with during the visit. You also may want to bring a favorite snack in a small plastic container.

Please do not bring other children to the visit unless you can also bring another adult to care for them. We are unable to provide childcare.

Click on one of the following links for directions to your nearest clinic:

Clayton County Health Department
Marcus Institute

 

Home visits

To do the evaluation in your home, you must be able to provide a private and quiet area. This area must be free from distractions. Project staff will need to look in your home for the most appropriate place to conduct the assessment. Staff will then need to set up the room without your child present.

It is preferred that you find childcare for your other children so that you can sit with your child during the evaluation.   

 

Blood and Hair Sample and Brief Medical Examination

Before the visit, you may want to explain to your child how we will draw blood and take a hair sample, Click here to view picture story. You may also want to bring a favorite snack or treat you can give to your child after he or she has completed this part of the study. You may want to bring one of your child’s favorite toys for him or her to play with during the visit. 

To simplify the blood draw, we suggest you wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeves that you can easily pull up over your elbow. Dress your child similarly. Please make sure you and your child have plenty to drink before the visit. 

NOTE: Neither you nor your child have to provide a blood sample to be in the study. The decision is up to you.

 

Parent Interviews

In the interview, study staff may ask when your child reached developmental milestones. You may want to look at your child’s baby book or calendar to note at what age your child first rolled over, sat alone, crawled, walked, used single words, and spoke in phrases. If there was a period when your child seemed to lose skills, please write that down, too.

You may be asked about services and treatments your child is now receiving. A list of services and treatments was provided to you in the participant clinic visit preparatory guide and scheduling booklet. This list will help you to remember what services and treatments your child is currently receiving. Please review the list and have it with you for the interview.

If you have questions, contact Georgia SEED via email at georgiaseed@cdc.gov or by phone at 404-498-0058.