Training of community health workers to assist in surveillance of child development

Studies indicate that training in the surveillance of child development can aid in the identification and/or prevention of deficiencies. The more people involved (family members, caregivers, health professionals, and educators), the better the quality of child development. The objective of this project was to promote health surveillance of the development of children in primary care, in association with family health teams in São Carlos, by means of the training of community health workers (CHWs) and occupational therapy graduate students at the Federal University of São Carlos. The extension activity was based on meaningful learning, divided into three phases. Firstly, the researchers taught the students how to use the booklet "Every time, it's time to care." In the second phase, students undertook the training of CHWs, and in the third phase, the CHWs will use the contents of the booklet to work with families in their areas. The first two phases of the project have so far been completed. Problem-solving workshops used the booklet as supporting material, and considered nine key themes: care for pregnant women, bonds and affection, vaccination schedule, child development, nutrition, hygiene, management of childhood illness, accident prevention, and rights of the child. These important issues encountered in everyday life enabled the participants to identify the themes with aspects of their personal lives, and to connect theory with practice. The problem of prompt detection of problems related to early childhood care was also highlighted. The final phase of the work is being completed, and is expected to help to enhance the empowerment of families.