Early Child Development

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The Early Childhood Development Program, initiated in stages over the first four months of 2014, focuses on three strategies for improving developmental and educational outcomes for county involved young children: early developmental screening and screening referrals; covering costs for childcare providers serving high needs children for training coaching and supports; and purchasing quality early care and education programming for children ages birth to five involved in child protection. Young children from low income and highly stressed families often are not prepared for success in school due to developmental concerns and lack of access to early learning supports as confirmed by a county study in 2013. These strategies will ensure significant developmental needs are discovered; appropriate referrals to educational, mental health or medical supports are supported; and children receive the needed services to address their concerns. The strategies will also engage Cparents and caregivers so benefits extend to all facets of the children lives. The first year of implementation has been met with enthusiasm by staff and recipients and has shown significant success. An initial study of outcomes by the University of Minnesota is underway in 2015, primarily looking at impacts on foster children.