Health services for pre-school children
Rules
Services for pre-school children are provided by public health nurses and Area Medical Officers that are employed by the HSE. All public health nurses take direct referrals from parents.
Public health nurses are notified of all births in their area - either by the hospital where the birth occurred or by the midwife who was present for a home birth. Following the birth, your public health nurse will visit you and your child at home, usually within 48 hours of discharge from hospital and make other visits as necessary.
Public health nurses provide both general health and specific developmental advice to parents and monitor the development of the child.
A developmental examination is offered to every child by the Area Medical Officer at approximately 9 months, by appointment, in the local health centre. This examination covers all aspects of the child's development, including hearing, sight, language development, physical development, etc, and is offered to infants irrespective of the family's income.
How to apply
In general, it is not necessary to apply for a developmental assessment for your child at 9 months as your Local Health Office routinely sends out the appointments. Most Local Health Offices offer additional doctor and public health nurse appointment clinics for those parents who have concerns about their child's development.
Language
Related Documents
- School health services in Ireland
There are various child health screenings provided in public primary schools in Ireland. Information on screenings and how they are organised. - Child health services
The general entitlement of children to health services in Ireland and the specific services available. - Regulation of pre-school childcare services in Ireland
Pre-school childcare providers are regulated by law. Find out about the rules concerning play groups, day nurseries,crèches, childminders and other service providers.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.