### 12/2/2021 # Engaging and Empowering Families ## Lessons Learned from Metro United Way’s Ages & Stages Developmental Screening Hub Kimberly Broecker, Manager, Developmental Screening, Metro United Way --- ### EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES ### DURING THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS CAN HELP CHILDREN LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES # OUR COMMUNITY **LOUISVILLE RANKS 5TH IN THE NATION FOR CONCENTRATED POVERTY.** - 43% of our children live at or below 200% of the poverty line. **ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES IS LIMITED** - Home visitation programs have a short enrolment period and are only available until age 2 - Jefferson County’s school district relinquished their Head Start contract in 2019 leaving many 3 & 4-year-olds without access to high quality childcare - Only about 50% of students entering Kindergarten have attended preschool prior to starting school. - Childcare centers were struggling to survive prior to the pandemic with the closure of more than 45% of centers; an additional 15% are expected to close **RISK FACTORS TO DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS CONTINUE TO PLAGUE OUR CHILDREN** - In Jefferson County 9.4% of babies are born at low birth weight and 11% are born preterm - Kentucky ranks 3rd in the nation for children born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome - 10% or pregnant moms smoking during pregnancy - KY is 4th highest in the nation for teen birth rates *Sources: Greater Louisville Project, Brookings Institute; Kentucky Youth Advocates; CDC, JCPS. Kentucky Department for Public Health Division of Maternal and Child Health* --- ## MOBILIZING THE COMMUNITY - Fostering Relationship - Supporting Families - Building Our Community’s Capacity to Use the Ages & Stages Questionnaires - Connecting Children to High Quality Early Childhood Experiences - Healthcare Provider Outreach - Data Collection and System Tracking ## FOSTERING RELATIONSHIP, SUPPORTING FAMILIES ### METRO UNITED WAY’S DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB SUPPORTS PARENTS THROUGHOUT EARLY YEARS - Helps break down barriers to receiving services - Guides families through the intervention process --- ### DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB - Any child birth to 5 ½ years of age residing in our seven-county region can participate. - Emphasis on the zip codes identified as having the most needs - Target children who do not attend organized care. ### HOW THE AGES & STAGES DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB WORKS - Parents enroll their child in the Developmental Screening Hub --- ### FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS **Q: What does the developmental screener cost?** A: There is never a fee to complete the Ages & Stages Questionnairesa. **Q: Who is eligible to participate in the developmental screener?** A. Residents of Oldham, Jefferson, Bullit or Shelby counties in Kentucky, or Harrison, Clark or Floyd counties in Indiana. Any parent or guardian of a child who is two months to five-and-a-half years old. **Q: What happens if my child needs more practice?** A: That's ok Every child develops differently and has had different experiences. Practice the skill and try again A trained coordinator will call you to discuss your child's results. You will be provided with activities to strengthen your child's skills, and if necessary, information on agencies who can help. **Q: Why should I complete the developmental screener?** A: Identifying your child's strengths is a critical part of ensuring your child gets the best start. Children who receive early intervention are more likely to be successful in school. You will learn what you can do to help your child be ready to learn, grow, and succeed in school and life. **Enroll by visiting www.MetroUnitedWay.org/ASQ or completing and mailing the form at the right.** --- ## HELPING CHILDREN REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL A child's brain develops more in the first five years of life than at any other time. During these years, understanding how a child is learning and growing, celebrating their strengths, and having the tools to support their development will help build the foundation for life-long learning. Developmental screening empowers parents and caregivers in their child's early education by helping them understand how the child is growing and learning. By playing games and answering questions, parents and caregivers can get a quick check on a child's milestones such as smiling, waving, walking, and talking. Developmental screening can also help parents and caregivers know what milestones are appropriate for their child. --- ### WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING? ### WHAT IS THE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB? The Developmental Screening Hub is a free program for children 2 months to 5-1/2 years. The Hub provides parents and caregivers with the opportunity to complete a developmental screening called the *Ages & Stages Questionnaire*. If a parent has questions about their child's development, or the screening identifies a child who needs a little encouragement, trained coordinators connect families to services that can help. If the family needs help in any area outside of education, the coordinators can connect them to other services. --- ## HOW DOES THE AGES & STAGES DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB WORK? - Parents enroll their child into the Developmental Screening Hub - Parents receive a link to complete the questionnaire or can request a paper copy. - Metro United Way contacts parents if there are questions about their responses or if the child needs some encouragement. - Receive a letter with the results, a FREE BOOK, helpful tips, fun activities and connections to resources. --- ## STRENGTHENING CONNECTIVITY & ACCELERATING RENEWAL --- ## DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING HUB’S IMPACT ### 2,900+ children have screened in the highest needs zip codes ### 1,600+ children have completed 4 or more questionnaires ### 7,700+ books have been distributed --- ### QUESTIONS? #### Kimberly.Broecker@MetroUnitedWay.org #### 502-292-6159 --- ### Access the wealth of resources on ASQ website! ### Register for free ## www.agesandstages.com ### Get your certificate ## bpub.fyi/ASQ-Innovators-Engaging