Proj Pr oject ect BE BEST: : Be Benc nchma marks rks for or Ea Early y Scr cree eeni ning ng an and T d Test estin ing Kristen Kellems, Research Assistant Jane Squires, Principal Investigators Elizabeth Twombly, Project Coordinator Early Intervention Program University of Oregon College of Education
Centers for Disease Control Atlanta, Georgia January 27, 2012
Over erall ll Ai Aim Develop precise, comprehensive benchmarks that can be used to evaluate the timeliness and efficiency of Part C early intervention programs in terms of conducting screening, assessment, and intervention.
Ai Aim Improve timelines for screening, referral and service provision. Improve access to EI/ECSE, especially for underserved populations.
BE BEST Research Topics of Interest Funded by CDC and Association for University Centers on Disability (AUCD) University of Oregon, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Nee eed • Timely intervention services are critical for optimizing developmental, health, and behavioral outcomes for young children. • Project BEST: • Will address: timeliness of screening and the assessment/eligibility processes • Will result in: improved outcomes for young children with developmental delays.
Rese esear arch ch Ph Phas ases es • Complete an Environmental Scan of state data systems, proven strategies, systems for early identification. • Develop “pilot” benchmark measures for increasing the timeliness and provision of services. • Pilot test the benchmark measures in counties in Oregon. • Disseminate project findings.
Ph Phas ase e 1: 1: En Envir ironme onmenta ntal l Sca can Examined State Performance Plans (SPP’s) and Annual Performance and Accountability Reports (APR) Reviewed National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) Indicator Analysis Reviewed Selected Individual State Reports Reviewed Early Hearing Detection Indicators (EHDI) Conducted Interviews National Experts (NECTAC, NEILS, ITCA) Selected state Part C coordinators (NH, ID, MA, IL, OR, OH) OR state stakeholders, service providers. Early childhood data system experts (OR,MN, NY, IL, WA) Reviewed Literature Tracking Referral Assessment Center for Excellence (TRACE) Carl Dunst & Carol Trivette Literature related to early ID, screening, childfind
Ph Phas ase e 2: 2: De Devel elop op Pi Pilot t Be Benc nchma mark rk Mea easu sures es Created a first draft of benchmarks Conducted an on-line survey with stakeholders on the following characteristics of each benchmark and associated goal: Clarity, importance, reasonableness of implementation, extent of current implementation Conducted National Focus Group with stakeholders Included representatives from CDC, state Part C representatives, parents of CWD, OSEP , Zero to Three, NEILS, MCH, NECTAC, TRACE Break-out groups were given benchmarks to analyze and to make recommendations
Pr Proj oject ect BE BEST Be Benc nchma marks rks
Benchmar Be chmark k #1: Univ Univer ersal sal Ref eferral erral of of El Eligi gible ble Newb wborns orns for Par Part t C Ser ervices vices The medical information of all newborns will be reviewed by medical practitioners (including nurse midwives and lay midwives) for any condition that determines them automatically eligible for early intervention services under their state’s eligibility categories for Part C services. If a condition is identified, procedures will be in place to ensure these results are communicated to families and receiving primary care providers, and a referral made to the local Part C agency.
Benchmar Be chmark k #2: Univ Univer ersal sal Screenin eening g and nd Ref eferra erral 100% of children between the ages of birth to three will be screened at least once every 12 months, with valid and reliable screening tool (s) that screen for developmental and social emotional delays. If a concern is identified, procedures will be in place to ensure appropriate and timely referral to Part C, Part B or other community support agencies as indicated by screening results.
Be Benchmar chmark k #3: Ef Effectiv ective e Identif entificat ication ion and nd Ref eferra erral l Procedures. ocedures. State Part C (Early Intervention) agencies will develop policies and procedures that support on-going and effective relationships with referral agencies, including those community agencies that serve underserved and at-risk populations.
Be Benchmar chmark k #4: Stat tatewide wide Infant ant and nd Toddler ddler Da Data ta sy syst stem em The state will develop a data system (ideally web-based) that tracks a child in the Part C system from referral throughout service delivery and transition. This data system will include features that increase the timeliness of identification and service delivery, and will provide an option to universally monitor children.
Be Benchmar chmark k # 5: Ef Effectiv ective e Procedures ocedures for Timely ely Ser ervice vice States will ensure that 100% of Part C (Early Intervention) agencies create effective policies and procedures to respond to referrals of infants and toddlers and provide needed services in a timely manner.
Be Benchmark chmark #6: Comprehensiv prehensive e Syst stems ems Every state will have a method to evaluate progress towards the Benchmarks for Early Screening and Testing (BEST) program.
On On-lin ine sur e survey y fee eedb dback ck Feedback was largely positive. Most participants thought that the benchmarks and goals were reasonable and important but had not been widely implemented Technical Suggestions: Stream-line the language in the overarching benchmark Language should make measurability requirements clearer Include a glossary of terms and abbreviations Policy Suggestions: Inadequate financial or political support should be considered Some goals should be considered “best - practice” examples rather than requirements
Foc ocus us group oup fee eedb dback ack Decrease the number of benchmark indicators for which states need to report data. Some goals should be considered “best -practice or recommended practice” towards meeting benchmark. Need clarification from Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) regarding “presumptive eligibility” Specific feedback on goals regarding clarifying language, terminology and measurability. Provided suggestions for additional data sources (e.g., birth certificates/vital records) states could utilize to report on benchmarks.
Phase se 3: Pilot t Tes est t Be Benchmarks chmarks Benchmark 1. Universal Referral of Eligible Newborns for Part C Services. Hospital pilots (Lane & Deschutes County) Benchmark 2. Universal Screening and Referral Meeting/coordination of early childhood identification efforts in OR; Investigation of electronic “platforms” to support coordination of data sharing and reporting Benchmark 3. Effective Identification and Referral Procedures Pilot with underserved populations in Multnomah & Lane county (homeless, minority)
Phase se 3: Pilot t Tes est t Be Benchmark chmarks Benchmark 4. Statewide Infant and Toddler Data system Meeting with data systems efforts in OR (state longitudinal data system K-20, early childhood data) Benchmark 5. Effective Procedures for Timely Service. Lane county Early Childhood CARES meetings
Ph Phas ase e 4: 4: Dis Dissem semin inat ate Pr e Proj oject ect Fi Findi nding ngs Create BEST website Dissemination to professionals, stakeholders, parents/caregivers, and colleagues Electronic media, publications, presentations
Sum umma mary • Aim is to develop benchmarks related to timely screening, identification, and services. • Benchmarks will be reviewed and piloted at several levels. • Overall goal is improving timeliness and access, especially for underserved populations
For r fu further ther information ormation about bout Pr Project ject BEST Contact Kristen Kellems, kkellems@uoregon.edu; Jane Squires, jsquires@uoregon.edu or Liz Twombly, ltwombly@uoregon.edu Project BEST University of Oregon Early Intervention Program 541-346-0807
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