Policy Resource
Developmental Screening Follow-up Practices and Policies
Guidance and recommendations on follow-up practices when infants and toddlers demonstrate developmental concerns but do not qualify for Part C or other services.

Developmental and behavioral screening are prevention strategies that can identify young children early who need additional support. Although some states have made progress in expanding screening rates in recent years, it is essential that improvements continue to be made so that all young children receive timely recommended developmental screening. It is equally important that children who are found through screening to have a developmental concern that could benefit from follow-up, monitoring, and/or intervention can receive the supports they need. Unfortunately, service capacity is often not sufficient to meet demand.
The Developmental Screening Follow-up Practices and Policies paper explores challenges of the early childhood service delivery system and offers recommendations for policy and system change, including examples of bright spots in specific states, to ensure children and families receive help when developmental concerns are present. Although a central focus is on the Part C early intervention system, other services are also discussed in recognition that Part C is part of a continuum of supports and services.
We know that states and communities cannot do this work alone, and that investment and support from the federal level is needed. A well coordinated comprehensive early childhood system ensures that babies, young children and their families receive the services and supports they need and want.
This paper was developed jointly by ZERO TO THREE and the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) as part of our work on the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (ECCS CoIIN). The ECCS CoIIN supports 12 ECCS grantees and their respective communities in strengthening developmental screening and referral systems and practices.
You might also be interested in
-
Article
New Jersey to offer home visiting to every family with a newborn
In June 2021 New Jersey passed S690 which will provide all New Jersey residents access to at least one, and up to three, post-partum home visits by a specially trained registered nurse for the parent…
-
Article
Alabama Increases Funding for Home Visiting in 2021
In April 2021, Alabama passed The Education Trust Fund budget SB 189, which included many increases in funding for programs serving children and families.
-
Article
Bill Adds State Funds for Community-based Home Visiting Models in Minnesota
In 2021 Minnesota passed HF 2128, an omnibus health and human services finance bill that included $4.5 million in state funds to significantly expand voluntary home visiting for pregnant people and f…
-
Article
Delaware Prioritizes Home Visiting
In 2019 Delaware passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 (SCR 50) requiring the Department of Health and Social Services – in collaboration with the Department of Education and Delaware Home Visiting …
-
Article
Rhode Island Cross-Sector Compensation Report Drives Legislative Action
Thanks to the work of the RIght from the Start campaign, composed of Rhode Island early childhood groups, leaders, and stakeholders convened as a part of the state’s Think Babies efforts funded by ZE…
-
Article
Communities Commit to Young Children
In the absence of sufficient federal or statewide funding, communities across the nation have begun to develop their own solutions to longstanding early care and learning challenges. Here are two rec…