The RFP for Developmental Screening and Referral Pilot Projects is now open. Applications are due July 12.
Click here to view the request for proposals and apply.
This link will take you a ZoomGrants page. Create a log-in to view the RFP and apply.
What are Developmental Screenings and Referrals?
Developmental screenings are a foundational element of health care and well-being for young children from birth through five years. Learn more about developmental screenings and referrals in our earlier blog post here.
Examples of screenings include, but are not limited to:
- Developmental screenings
- Social factor screenings
Most screening tools are available in English and at least one additional language. We encourage use of screening tools available in the language(s) that best meet the linguistic and cultural needs of the communities to be served.
What is a Pilot Project?
The goal of this RFP is to fund several one-year projects to pilot new, expanding or evolving developmental screening and referral programs while we are simultaneously learning from the landscape analysis.
The shared learnings from pilot projects will inform the Strategic Plan and implementation of future universal developmental screening and referral strategies. We are seeking proposals from organizations or programs that serve families, from prenatal to 5 years. Examples include medical clinics, mental health organizations, childcare, faith organizations, home visiting programs, playgroups, and community-based organizations.
Projects may include the following:
- Implement a new screening program to serve a population that has been historically and persistently marginalized or otherwise has limited access to regular screening.
- Strengthen or adapt a developmental screening tool or program in order to meet the needs of a specific community being served.
- Implement or strengthen a referral and case management system for families with children whose developmental screen indicates need for supports and services.
Eligibility
This announcement is only open to not-for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, schools and school districts, medical clinics, and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small non-profits and community-based organizations are encouraged to submit proposals.
Partnerships are eligible to apply. One organization must agree to serve as the lead and contract administrator.
Investment Available
Best Starts for Kids will award up to $1,000,000 across all projects. Project budgets should be based on need and wherever possible identify additional supports. $250,000 is the maximum request amount.
Best Starts for Kids will develop 12-month contracts with successful applicants to fund screening materials, training, staff time, data gathering, and evaluation. All proposals should include requests for resources necessary to serve the social-emotional and developmental needs of children and their families, and ensure referrals and warm handoffs to supports and/or services. There may be an opportunity to renew 12-month contracts for an additional 12 or 24 months. Projects that are well-aligned with the Developmental Screening Landscape Analysis and Strategic Planning process currently underway may be considered for renewal.
Funding Priorities
In alignment with the Best Starts for Kids Equity and Social Justice framework and values, this investment will prioritize:
- Communities of Color, Low-Income Communities, and Limited English-Speaking Communities
- Populations and Communities Experiencing Significant Service Gaps
- Organizations that are Connected to, or Embedded in, the Community Served
Timeline
| RFP released | May 31, 2018 |
| Information sessions | June 6, 11, 25, 21, and 27, 2018 |
| Final day to ask questions | July 9, 2018 |
| RFP responses due | July 12, 2018 |
| Interviews with applicants (if necessary) | August 3, 2018 |
| Responses reviewed and rated | August 10, 2018 |
| Notice to selected and non-selected organizations | September 4, 2018 |
| List of selected organizations published. | September 14, 2018 |
| Project implementation. | November 1, 2018 |
Have more questions? Join us for information sessions
Online Webinar
June 6, 2018; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This is an online conference only. To join the presentation, click here.
Audio via phone at 206.263.8114, conference ID # 3312240
In Person Information Sessions
June 11, 2018; 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Kent Library: 212 2nd Avenue N, Kent 98032
June 21, 2018; 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Crossroads Bellevue Community Room: 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue 98008
June 25, 2018; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Beacon Hill Library: 2821 Beacon Avenue S, Seattle 98144
June 27, 2018; 12:30 – 2:30 PM at Shoreline Library: 345 NE 175th Street, Shoreline 98155
Need help? Get free assistance applying
Help preparing your application is available at no cost to support Best Starts for Kids applicants. Providers offer a wide range of skills, areas of expertise, and language abilities.
See the list of providers and contact information for technical assistance here.
Where can I find data to support my application?
Best Starts values the use of multiple sources of data and information. While the use of data resources is not required, we have compiled some King County data resources to assure equal access to information. Indicators identified for Best Starts can be found here: www.kingcounty.gov/bskindicators. Please visit the “Data Resources” page on the Communities Count website.