A Systematic Review of Part C Early Identification Studies
Brian Barger1, Catherine Rice2, Christina Anne Simmons3
1Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA.
Insights
Connecting at-risk children to Part C early intervention (EI) services is challenging due to sparse literature. Improved systems are needed to track and identify young children requiring EI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early identification of developmental delays is crucial for timely intervention.
- Part C services provide early intervention for eligible infants and toddlers.
- Current literature on the full pathway to Part C services is fragmented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on early identification processes for connecting at-risk children to Part C services.
- To identify gaps and opportunities in the early identification pathway.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 43 articles.
- Classification of data collection settings (primary vs. specialized).
- Analysis of studies covering at least two phases of early identification (0-6 years).
Main Results:
- The literature documenting the complete process from community monitoring to Part C service receipt is sparse.
- Few studies cover the entire early identification continuum.
- Opportunities exist to develop better systems for tracking and identifying children needing early intervention.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing systems for early identification and connection to Part C services is essential.
- Further research is needed to understand and optimize the pathway to early intervention.
- Addressing fragmentation in the literature can inform improved service delivery.
Abstract:
Authors conducted a systematic literature review on early identification steps leading at-risk young children to connect with Part C services. Authors classified data collection settings as primary (settings for general population) or specialized (settings for children at risk of developmental delay) and according to the phases of early identification in the study: (a) original population of children aged 0 to 6 years who had received Part C services, (b) screening and/or referral and/or developmental assessment from 0 through age 2 years, and (c) were deemed eligible and/or received Part C services. Authors identified 43 articles including at least two phases of the early identification process. The literature about connecting children to Part C early intervention (EI) is sparse and fragmented; few studies document the full process from community monitoring to service receipt. Results indicate opportunities for development of systems to better track and improve the identification of young children in need of EI.
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