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Request for Applications: AUCD-funded Pilot Study Using Administrative Data to Evaluate "Child Find" Early Identification Systems

August 20, 2021

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pdf File Request for Applications: Pilot Study Using Administrative Data to Evaluate (843KB) [download]

docx File Informational Call FAQ (21KB) [download]

Eligibility: This funding opportunity is open to universities, state governmental agencies as well as non-governmental organizations.

Award:
Maximum Number of Awards: 2
Award Ceiling: $228,000
Award Floor: $114,000
Project Period: November 15, 2021 to November 14, 2022

Timeline:
RFA Release: August 20, 2021
Informational Call: August 30, 2021 at 4p ET
Application Deadline: October 15, 2021
Notice of Awards: November 1, 2021
Project Start: November 15, 2021

An informational call on the opportunity will take place on August 30, 2021 at 4p ET. A recording of the call, along with a transcript of all questions received by AUCD regarding the funding opportunity will be made available within 24 hours of the call.

Registration link for informational call:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwrcO-pqjIsEtVFYlb5cdzS-MEPIpEf2pNJ

apply

Background

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) collaborates with The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement efforts supported by the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program. CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." 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. "Learn the Signs. Act Early." research and evaluation projects funded through partnership with AUCD advance understanding of how to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, especially among population groups with health disparities.

Purpose

Every state and territory has a system in place to provide low or no cost early intervention services to children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires a "Child Find" system for locating all children in need of early intervention services.

This project will support evaluation of Child Find activities in 1-2 states using existing administrative data from the state early intervention (Part C) program and at least one other early childhood program such as preschool special education (Part B of IDEA), Medicaid, and developmental screening registries or a data system that already includes linked data from the Part C program and other early childhood programs.

The funded recipient/s would propose and implement a data analysis plan that includes linking Part C with other data or leverage existing linked data systems to answer evaluation questions most relevant to the state. It is expected that applicants have access to the data needed for the analysis and/or have data use agreements in place. Evaluation questions will be determined based on the needs of the state and the data available. Lessons learned will be shared through the Act Early Network. Questions might include:

  1. What are the demographic and other characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity, geographic residence, type of developmental concern/ disability, insurance status, medical home status, etc.) of children who receive Part C services, compared to children in the general population, or children later identified with disabilities that do not receive Part C services?
  2. What characteristics of children are associated with receipt of both early intervention and preschool special education services, compared to those of children only receiving one type of service?
  3. Which community programs are most likely to monitor, screen and refer children for developmental concerns?
  4. What disparities (geographic, race or ethnicity, other factors?) exist within your state in referral, eligibility, or service initiation for early intervention?
  5. What data are lacking or unavailable that would help to evaluate Child Find? What data are available to assess the role of developmental monitoring or "Learn the Signs. Act Early." in Child Find?
Key Activities/Deliverables
  • Recipient/s will participate in bimonthly or monthly check-ins with AUCD/CDC for technical assistance on the data linkage and analysis plan and implementation, discussing project progress, reporting, etc.
  • Recipient/s must develop and carry out a data linkage and analysis plan to answer their evaluation questions.
  • Recipient/s will produce actionable data to improve Child Find activities and address disparities in receipt of services in 1-2 states.
  • Recipient/s will contribute to the published literature on Child Find by submitting at least one manuscript for peer-review/publication.
  • Recipient/s will produce a final report including key findings and recommendations (including gaps to be addressed through future "Learn the Signs. Act Early." activities).
  • Recipients will share findings through a webinar with the Act Early Network.

If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity, please submit a written application, including all required attachments.

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Danielle Webber ([email protected]).