Children’s Health
Prevention and early diagnosis of childhood health concerns
Children are our most precious resources. We focus on preventive care for kids by promoting total well-being – physical and emotional. Prevention includes regular checkups, vaccinations against common diseases, and education for parents to know when to seek medical attention.
FamilyCare of Kent is an exclusive nurse practitioner-only practice in Kent, Washington. Parents from all around have trusted our NPs with their children’s health care for more than 30 years. Why? Because we listen. We don’t rush you in and out of the office. And because we honor your choices for your child.
There’s just one exception: we are absolutely pro-vaccination. If you are uncertain about vaccinating your child, talk to one of our NPs and you’ll quickly learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision. See the recommended vaccination schedule.
Well Care and Sick Visits
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies should have well-child checkups at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age. Children should be checked once a year until age 21. In addition to regular checkups, children should be seen right away for problems such as:
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Rashes or skin infections
- Sleep problems or changes in sleeping habits
- Changes in behavior / overly sensitive or moody
- Breathing problems
- Fever above 102 degrees
- Frequent sore throats or earaches
Conditions we treat:
Developmental and Behavioral Concerns
Your child’s well-being encompasses their physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Nurse practitioners encourage open communication with kids and parents to promote healthy relationships with family, friends, and health care providers.
A loving and supportive home environment can help nurture emotional health, independence, self-confidence, social skills, and insightful, empathetic behavior in your child. In turn, they will be comfortable telling you when they may need some extra TLC or medical attention.
However, if you notice that something is “off” with your child, please talk to your healthcare provider about it.
At FamilyCare of Kent, we have tools in place to provide a detailed evaluation of your child’s development and risk for autism. Please read below for more information and contact us to set up a consultation as soon as possible.
All parents who bring their child in for a well visit want to know how their son or daughter is developing. We know what’s on your mind:
- Is your child meeting all the right milestones?
- Are there any developmental delays or warning signs you need to know about?
- Will the doctor ask the right questions?
FamilyCare of Kent uses the Ages and Stages (ASQ) program to ensure all of your child’s basic needs are met. ASQ begins with a brief online questionnaire for parents to tell us about their child(ren). The answers help us assess each child’s development in detail.
Our nurse practitioners have the necessary ASQ training to recommend age-appropriate activities to encourage healthy development.
As parents and nurse practitioners, one of the most important things we can do for children is to be aware of any signs of autism. According to AutismSpeaks.org, the major red flags to watch for are:
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months
- No babbling by 12 months
- No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age
If you notice any of these in your child, please see a health care practitioner as soon as possible. Research shows that early intervention is critical to managing all types of autistic spectrum disorders.
FamilyCare of Kent nurse practitioners can quickly and easily screen your child for autism. Kids between 18 and 24 months of age should be screened during their well visit. The process involves about 20 questions to assess the way your child communicates and interacts with others.
Need to see a pediatrician? The FamilyCare of Kent nurse practitioners are devoted to giving you the most complete, compassionate, family-centered healthcare in Washington. Call us today at (253) 859-2273 (CARE) or use our online form to request an appointment at FamilyCare of Kent (WA).
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