August 25, 2025 | Clinics
At Mountain Park Health Center, we know that the earliest years of a child’s life are the most important for growth and development. That’s why our Early Childhood Development Program is dedicated to helping families identify and address developmental delays as early as possible.
Early screenings play a key role in supporting children’s healthy development. They can help detect potential challenges, including Autism, and connect families with resources and services right away. “Early interventions help children during their critical period of brain development and can help maximize their potential,” says Melissa Herb Hernandez, Autism Program Manager.
How the Program Works
Our Early Childhood Development team partners closely with parents and pediatricians to provide care coordination, case management, and connections to vital services. From newborns through age 18, we support families every step of the way; whether that means helping with evaluation referrals, assisting with school resources, or ensuring ongoing follow-up once services begin.
What makes our program unique is not only our dedicated team but also our strong partnerships in the community. Organizations like Axis for Autism and Soar Autism Center help us reduce wait times for evaluations and expand access to critical therapies. Thanks to these collaborations, families who once faced waits of 6–12 months can now often access evaluations in less than 90 days.
Starting the Conversation
For many parents, the hardest part is knowing how to bring up concerns. Our advice is simple: write down your observations before your child’s appointment and share them with your pediatrician. Your input provides valuable insight that helps us understand your child’s needs and connect you with the right services.
Integrated Care
At Mountain Park, our Early Childhood Development team works hand in hand with pediatricians, behavioral health consultants, and medical assistants to provide a truly integrated approach. This ensures that screenings, referrals, and follow-ups happen seamlessly, so families feel supported throughout the process.
“We understand the concerns parents face when navigating developmental delays,” says Herb Hernandez. “Our goal is to walk alongside families, helping them understand the process and connecting them to the best possible resources.”
If you have questions about your child’s development, the first step is talking with your pediatrician. We’re here to help! Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (602) 243-7277.
We accept most insurance types including AHCCCS. If you need assistance applying for AHCCCS insurance or other benefits, click here to learn more.
