SPROUTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

THE CHALLENGE: IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS. EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE EARLIEST IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTION POSSIBLE, TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS, IS CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL. EARLY INTERVENTION HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES; THE KEY TO SUCCESS, HOWEVER, IS EARLY IDENTIFICATION THROUGH SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT. ABSENT THESE VITAL SERVICES, FROM BIRTH TO AGE FIVE, CHILDREN FREQUENTLY ENTER SCHOOL REQUIRING MORE INTENSIVE AND COSTLY SUPPORT, AND RARELY IF EVER CATCH UP TO THEIR PEERS. NATIONALLY, EASTERSEALS ESTIMATES THAT OF THE FIVE MILLION CHILDREN UNDER AGE FIVE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY, ONLY ONE MILLION ARE IDENTIFIED AND RECEIVE NEEDED EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES PRIOR TO ENTERING SCHOOL. GENERALLY, ONLY THOSE UNDER AGE FIVE WITH THE HIGHEST NEED, WHO MEET FEDERAL IDEA (INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT) CRITERIA (A 25% DELAY IN 2 OR MORE AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT OR A 5