First Connections grantees have developed innovative approaches to conduct developmental screenings and refer young children at risk for and with delays to early intervention services. In January 2014, First 5 LA launched First Connections to address systems barriers and reduce disparities in screening for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays. Learn more about HMG and how other counties are implementing the system at Help Me Grow California. Together with county partners and stakeholders, First 5 LA seeks to transform local systems to better serve children and families.
The recommendations put forth by the planning members serve as a guide to inform First 5 LA, LACDPH, and county partners for the next phase of planning for HMG-LA. For example, the system collaborates with pediatricians to screen for developmental and behavioral delays during regular physical check-ups.įirst 5 LA, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), is currently planning for the implementation of HMG-LA. Help Me Grow is a national effort that builds on existing resources at the local level to strengthen how systems work together to provide timely screenings for developmental and behavioral delays, connect children to early intervention services, and empower families to support their child’s healthy development. Launching Help Me Grow in Los Angeles County (HMG-LA) Identifying young children with or at risk for a developmental or behavioral delay is an essential first step toward ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their optimal health and well-being.įirst 5 LA’s Role in Promoting Optimal Child Development:įirst 5 LA is also committed to strengthening early identification and intervention systems through multiple countywide and statewide strategies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children be screened for developmental and behavioral delays at least three times before their third birthday (9 months, 18 months and 24/30 months).
And with many types of developmental delays, timing is everything-a later diagnosis could mean missing out on early intervention services and support that could help a child catch up. Evidence indicates approximately 70% of children under age six years old in California are not receiving recommended developmental and behavioral screenings.Īs many as one in four young children under age six years old are at risk for a developmental or behavioral delay. The state ranks 30th in the nation on the rate of infant and toddler developmental screenings.
California’s system for early identification and intervention has been failing.