(PHOENIX, Ariz., Sept. 23, 2003) - First semester students enrolled in the nursing program at Phoenix College recently had the chance to hone their skills while performing the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) on 3-to-5-year-olds in the Family Care Center.

The DDST was developed as a screening tool to detect potential developmental problems in young children. Often times, developmental deviations in children are overlooked because it is difficult to spot them during routine checks.

"It’s a twofold experience," said Karen Flanigan, a member of the nursing faculty. "The students are able to familiarize themselves with the DDST while learning how to warm up and respond to children."

Every year, first semester nursing students have the opportunity to assess children in the Family Care Center using the DDST. When the students are on their way, Cynthia Cross, senior lead teacher of the Family Care Center’s preschool room, explains to the children that the nursing students are coming and energetically asks if anyone wants to play games with them. Once the children realize that fun is involved, there is an overwhelming response to participate.

Turning the DDST into a game is simple since the test administrators use standardized kits that include red yarn, a bell, a small baby doll, baby bottle, small glass jar, wooden blocks, a tennis ball and a plastic cup. Examples of the activities that children are asked to demonstrate are to recognize objects, draw shapes and tell the test administrator how certain objects are used.

What may have been a fun filled morning for the children served as a valuable learning experience for the nursing students. Not only did the students become enthused about working with children, they also helped the Family Care Center’s preschool staff (Cynthia Cross, Mia Smith, and Kathleen Rabb) detect children that may be experiencing difficulties. This aids the staff in getting appropriate attention for the child.

"The children selected for this test were chosen simply because of their age," said Cross. "But if a student suspects that a child is not performing well, they report it to us. This serves as a first step in discovering potential developmental weaknesses."

The DDST tests children between birth and six years of age in four categories: fine motor, gross motor, language and personal-social skills. Main reasons for administering the test are to monitor children who are at high risk for developmental setbacks due to prenatal difficulties or to objectively confirm intuitive suspicions. Although it is not typical for registered nurses to administer the DDST, it is imperative that they have an understanding of the test and it’s implications.

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