Best Starts’ UDS strategy provides information, training, tools, and connections among providers to ensure all King County children receive culturally appropriate, high-quality developmental screening throughout early childhood. Early childhood practitioners use developmental screening to celebrate milestones, and monitor signs that a young child may be delayed in one or more areas of development. Families are supported in understanding child development and connecting with a wide range of resources to support their growth and wellbeing.
Identifying developmental delays is critical to connecting children to Early Support for Infants and Toddlers services, which can have a big impact on a young child’s success in school and life. Screenings are offered in any context where a family and child interact with an early childhood practitioner, including healthcare, early learning, and community settings.
Community-based partners implement the core components of this work, and customize education on early childhood milestones, developmental screening tools, and delivery of UDS for Black/African American, Chinese, Pacific Islander, Somali, and Latinx communities.
This strategy invests in:
Investing Early (prenatal-5)
so that babies are born healthy and establish a strong foundation for lifelong health and well-being
Estimated reach:
1,000 children
Funding Estimate (2022-2027):
$19,020,000
