Learn The Signs.

ACT Early, 211 LA County and WIC - A Pilot Relationship

Fran Goldfarb, MA, MCHES, CPSP, Patricia Herrera, MS

Abstract

Rationale

In 2015, Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE), through the USC
UCEDD, 211 LA County (211 LA) Developmental Screening and
Care Coordination Program and the Pasadena WIC program
began a collaborative relationship. This pilot braids customized
LTSAE materials with a unique phone based developmental
screening program and WICs easy access to underserved
children with the most needs.

WIC has easy access to families and is viewed as a trusted

source of information. Therefore, they are a logical partner in
spreading the LTSAE message of developmental screening for
all children whether or not parents have expressed concerns.
211 LA offers easy access to screening and can provide families
with appropriate referrals and remove barriers to service
through follow up. Additionally 211 LA can provide families
with resources for other concerns which may have secondary
impacts on child development. In the last six months, 2,160
families screened by 211 LA were referred by Los Angeles
County WIC Programs.

211 LA Developmental Screening and

Care Coordination Program
211 LA is one of the nations largest information and referral
services serving annually million calls. In 2009, 211 LA,
launched phone -based developmental behavioral screening
for children under the age of 5. Parents/caregivers contacting
211 LA for any reason are asked if they have a child under the
age of 5 and if so, would they be interested in a free parent
questionnaire (developmental screening). Parents who accept
are asked questions from the PEDS, PEDS: DM or M-CHAT.
Children who do not pass the evidence-base developmental
screening are referred to their local regional center (Part C
agency) and other early childhood programs. 211 LA Care
Coordinator Specialists provide follow up to assure that the
family does not encounter any barriers to assessment. This
program has been highly successful; over 11,000 children have
been screened with over 50% identified as at risk for a
developmental delay and received care coordination services
through 211 LA.

Project Components

Direct Referral Number

for Screening

Program Description
WIC staff have developmental checklists customized with a direct
phone number for the 211 LA .WIC staff review the age
appropriate checklist with the parent and ask if they would be
interested in participating in a parent questionnaire
(developmental screening) over the phone with 211 LA. Parents
are directed to call the number on the checklist either at the WIC
office or at their leisure.

For more information, please contact Fran Goldfarb 323 361-3831 or fgoldfarb@chla.usc.edu