BLAIR & FERTALY: Montana Act Early/COVID-19 Response
Project Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers and opened new opportunities to improve the four steps of early identification of developmental delays in children ages 0-5. In response, the Montana Act Early Ambassador is teaming with the Rural Institute and key partner programs to reconvene the Montana Act Early Team. The goal is to raise awareness among families and Montanas early childhood workforce of developmental milestones and the CDCs Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) materials and resources. LTSAE program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.
The Act Early/COVID-19 Response project has 4 main goals. They are to:
1. Reconvene the Montana Act Early team consisting of partner programs;
2. Identify current barriers and new opportunities to bolster the 4 steps of early identification;
3. Address those barriers and support early identification; and
4. Improve resiliency among families with young children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Montana Act Early Team is working with AUCD/CDC to conduct a needs assessment that identifies current barriers and opportunities across Montana's early childhood system. The needs assessment will inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of a plan to improve each of the four steps of early identification. These are: (1) parent-engaged developmental monitoring, (2) developmental and autism screening, (3) referral, and (4) receipt of early intervention services for children birth to 5, across early childhood systems. The plan will build on Montanas previous Act Early efforts (2014-2018) and current Act Early Ambassador initiatives to promote and distribute existing, relevant tools, materials, and programs to support early identification.
At the same time, the Montana Act Early Team will work to improve resiliency among families with young children during COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts (see www.mtautism.org). Resiliency promotion will include the distribution of CDC and CDC partner resources to improve social determinants of health such as parental mental health, parenting support, medical home, and engagement and empowerment of families through information on early childhood and navigation of systems of care.
Keyword(s):
Early Identification, Developmental Screening, Parent-Engaged Developmental
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
