Guest: Dr. Kristine Tolentino-Plata, Senior Child Development Specialist
In this episode:
- Describe the purpose of the Bayley developmental assessment and at what age(s) it is typically performed after discharge from the NICU.
- List three ways a NICU follow-up clinic can reduce barriers to care and social needs for families after a NICU stay.
- Share one area of research that is promising for child development neurodevelopment.
About Dr. Kristine Tolentino-Plata:
Kristine Tolentino-Plata, PhD, is a Senior Child Development Specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center – Children’s Medical Center’s Thrive Program in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Tolentino-Plata brings over a decade of expertise in Child Development, Neurodevelopment, and NICU Follow-Up. In her role, she excels in administering developmental assessments for NICU follow-up studies and monitoring the developmental progress of primary care patients. As a Gold Standard Certified Administrator of various developmental assessment tools, she ensures compliance with certification requirements, contributing to research publications and the advancement of the field. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Tolentino-Plata serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Neonatal Evaluation and Outcomes Network (NEON) and manages the Reach Out and Read program. Committed to continuous learning, she fosters a culture of collaboration and growth within the early childhood community. Her passion extends to volunteer work at the Low Birth Weight Development Center, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of preterm children and their families.