Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Jennifer Hall Lande, PhD

By Jennifer Hall-Lande, PhD, University of Minnesota 
Reviewed by Maly Lee, parent partner
A key component to effectively working with culturally diverse families requires an understanding of their culturally based views and perspectives. Further, there is a wide spectrum of diverse cultural perspectives on typical versus atypical development. For example, common observed behaviors such as eye contact, social play skills, and a child’s activity level are all influenced by cultural expectations. Further, in many cultures, even bringing up an area of concern before the age of 2 may seem inappropriate or strange to a family. Other cultures may view the screening process itself as a way “looking for a problem.”

There is growing demand for health care providers to provide culturally competent care to young children and their families. Culturally competent practitioners address cultural and linguistic differences when presenting early developmental screening and developmental concerns. Some best practices in culturally competent screening include:
<ul>
<li>Use of well-trained interpreters or cultural liaisons with both an understanding of developmental screening and culture.</li>
<li>Provide translated materials. Consider both literacy level and home language. Provide local cultural adaptations to make culturally relevant to local community. Note: Many commonly used terms in developmental screening may not exist in native language.</li>
<li>Use validated screening tools that have been developed with and normed on the cultural population being screened (when possible).</li>
<li>Ask the family first about concerns in child’s development or behavior. Let them share a story or observation about their child.</li>
<li>Look for common ground between what the family is seeing and your developmental concerns. Use this as a way to build connection and trust.</li>
</ul>
Becoming a culturally competent health care provider is an ongoing, evolving process for both individual professionals and the larger organizations in which we work. Developing these strong and trusting family-professional partnerships that respect cultural views is key to providing high quality care to children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
References available upon request.

Developmental Screening in Culturally Diverse Communities

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is seeking a board certified/board eligible outpatient Pediatric Physician to join our busy and growing primary care clinic practice. Grand Itasca is a fully integrated multi-specialty clinic and hospital located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Pediatric Physician

Partners in Pediatrics, Ltd. is seeking a full time BC/BE Pediatrician. The standard work week for a full-time pediatrician is 4 days a week plus a rotation of nights and weekends. Night and weekend shifts are shared equally among all providers. The salary package is competitive. You will have paid time off (PTO) and be given a CME allowance as well as CME days to further your medical education. We offer health, dental, disability and life insurance. You will also be eligible for a lucrative profit sharing 401(k). For inquiries, please contact our recruiting leads, Dr. Lisa Irvin at lirvin@pipstop.com and Dr. Megan Camerino at mcarmerino@pipstop.com

BC/BE Pediatrician

We’re excited to announce an opening for a Communications Manager at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP). This part-time, remote role is a unique opportunity for a communications professional with at least five years of experience, who is passionate about advancing child health through advocacy, education, and special projects.

Jennifer Hall Lande, PhD Updates

Developmental Screening in Culturally Diverse Communities