How Relationships Drive Results in Early Intervention Services

Key Takeaways

Partnerships between early intervention services and community health workers, early childhood educators and pediatric practices are vital to success.
When families understand what early intervention is, they’re more likely to follow through and feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

For early intervention services to be successful, the referral process needs more than a form — it needs people working together.

Strong Relationships = Stronger Referrals

We know that developmental screenings in early childhood are one of the best tools we have to catch delays early. But screenings alone don’t get children the help they need. The real magic happens after the referral.

A recent field study from LA Care Health Plan and First 5 LA revealed a key insight that pediatric practices are most successful in connecting children to early intervention services when they:

Build relationships with early intervention program staff
Maintain accurate contact information and strengthen referral tracking infrastructure
Help families understand what a referral means and assist with caregiver paperwork

These practices didn’t just do more developmental screenings; they took a multifaceted approach to drive meaningful change.

The takeaway? Referrals are only as strong as the relationships and systems behind them.

Educating Families Builds Trust and Action

Many families don’t know what early intervention means or why it matters. Without that understanding, they may delay or avoid services altogether.

That’s why community education is so powerful. Observation, screening, and assessment are collaborative processes aimed at supporting healthy development in infants and young children.

The field study how in Los Angeles, over 60 classes on child development and local resources helped more than 500 families gain confidence and clarity. Nearly all participants said they walked away knowing more about developmental milestones and how to advocate for their children.

These weren’t long lectures. They were community conversations, held in multiple languages, both in-person and online, designed to meet families where they are.

Community health workers are another trusted touchpoint for families. Their role in explaining early intervention, connecting families to local supports, and building trust across cultures and systems is essential. They should be equipped with clear, up-to-date information and treated as key partners in making referrals.

How HealthySteps Supports Care Coordination and Referrals

ZERO TO THREE’s HealthySteps is a pediatric primary care program that supports families in fostering their young children’s development and early learning. The program helps improve access to and use of developmental services, including early intervention.

A HealthySteps Specialist joins the care team, working closely with families to understand their needs, identify potential challenges early, and ensure care systems are responsive and well-coordinated.

“Every time I talk to people, they are shocked and say how great it is because I was on top of everything and was able to get my son diagnosed [with Autism] so young and to start early intervention so quickly.

The reality is, it was all due to my HealthySteps Specialist explaining everything to me, giving me all the information I needed, and following up with me.”

– Karma Campbell, HealthySteps mom, Hackensack Meridian Health

What Pediatric Practices Can Do Now

As the most universal and accessible setting within early childhood, pediatric primary care is an optimal setting for universal screening.

Here are three steps any provider can take to improve how they connect children to early intervention services:

Make the connection early
Build relationships with local IDEA Part C programs. Set up regular calls. Share referral data. Treat them like teammates, not just destinations.
Keep your contact list fresh
Make sure every referral has the correct phone number or email. Outdated info creates delays that families can’t afford.
Educate families early and often
Talk about developmental screenings as part of well-child visits. Use plain language. Offer flyers, videos, or invite families to community classes.

When families understand what early intervention is, they’re more likely to follow through and feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

See how one addressed disparities in screening rates.

It Takes a System That Talks

When pediatric practices and early intervention providers share information, coordinate care, and center the family, more children receive timely support.

And that means more toddlers walk into preschool ready to learn, more babies get the help they need to thrive, and more families feel supported—not sidelined.

Developmental screenings in early childhood are the first step. Strong referral systems make sure that step leads somewhere.

Let’s make every referral count.

How can reflective practice help professionals strengthen relationships?

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Next Up

field-study

Strengthening Early Childhood Development Through Enhanced Pediatric Screenings and Referrals

This field study explores a four-year partnership between First 5 LA and L.A. Care Health Plan aimed at improving developmental screening and referral practices in Los Angeles County pediatric settings.