TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENTS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Objective: To provide training for Community Health Agents (CHWs) at the Rio Bonito Primary Health Unit on child development milestones, with emphasis on language and hearing, using action research as a participatory training strategy to expand knowledge, strengthen practice in the local territory, and support the early identification of possible developmental changes. Methods: This experience report was based on action research, understood as a social investigation process applied to real-life situations, in which knowledge and practice are articulated in a participatory and transformative manner. Results: Thirteen CHWs participated in the training, although only three completed the final evaluation. All three rated the experience as excellent and reported increased learning, confidence, and significant changes in their professional practice. Records and narratives demonstrated engagement and practical applicability, although some planned activities could not be conducted. Conclusion: The intervention achieved its objectives, demonstrating potential to improve child care in Primary Health Care and indicating the need for future studies on adherence to evaluation procedures and the longitudinal impact of training activities.