Developmental Screening Hub: A Community Approach to Early Intervention |
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As part of the Every Child Thrives goal of Kindergarten Readiness, the Foundation has awarded grants to several partners who have committed to pooling developmental screening information via a secure, confidential data-sharing tool.
Universal developmental screening is a best practice that is used to identify any developmental delays early and connect families to resources so the child can start school ready to learn.
This developmental screening hub allows for efficient and effective data sharing--an important beginning step toward two goals: 1) using data from across our region in a more coordinated and powerful way, and 2) casting a wider net of developmental screening, to help ensure we connect more kids to resources as early as possible.
Our thanks to those community leaders joining the Developmental Screening community of practice:
Why does developmental screening matter?
Screening young children is a way for professionals to check a child’s development, help parents celebrate their child’s milestones and know what to look for next, and determine whether follow-up steps are needed.
- 70% of children who would benefit from early intervention aren’t identified until after they start school.
- Developmental delays, learning disorders, and behavioral and social-emotional problems are estimated to affect 1 in every 6 children.
- Intervention before kindergarten has huge academic, social, and economic benefits. Studies have shown that children who receive early treatment for developmental delays are more likely to graduate from high school, hold jobs and live independently.
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A Workspace for Changemakers |
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We’ve got everything you need from flexible memberships to dedicated desks and office space for your growing team. All coworking memberships include access to collaborative space, video conferencing suites, cafe with complimentary beverages, access to industry meetups, networking happy hours, professional and personal development programs and more!
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Investing in Quality Early Learning |
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As part of our Every Child Thrives priority of Kindergarten Readiness, we are working with select early care and education sites to champion the Pyramid Model--a set of practices that supports early educators and helps ensure children are developing the skills and behaviors needed for success in school.
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WI-AIMH has been instrumental in supplementing the professional development of our Pyramid Model sites. Our investment into 2024 will ensure that these early education providers, including Future All Stars Academy and Dodgeland School District, will continue to receive expert support for staff members and the specialized support occasionally needed to work with individual challenging behaviors.
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What is the Pyramid Model all about?
Click on the image (right) to watch a short video in which a parent describes how a Pyramid Model coached classroom helped provide the sense of security her child needed.
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You're Invited: November 4th
PBS Kids Edcamp
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You are invited to participate in a FREE PBS Edcamp on Saturday November 4th at the Watertown Public Library.
The event is intended for all early learning professionals in our region. Click on the video image (left) for a 1-minute summary of what to expect.
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PBS Edcamps are participant-driven and often referred to as “un-conferences” where experience is valued over expertise. Sessions are “built” at the beginning of an Edcamp where participants brainstorm topics they would like to learn or share with fellow early learning professionals.
- Full of free, engaging, bilingual PBS resources
- Breakfast and lunch are provided
- Receive Wisconsin Registry credit
After the Edcamp, you are invited to an optional session on facilitating a Family and Community Learning Workshop. You'll learn about a model for multi-generational, hands-on family engagement designed to support science and literacy development.
- Includes bilingual resources for multi-session experiences, full of activity plans and supporting materials
Thank you to the partner organizations responsible for bringing this amazing opportunity to our community.
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Child Care Counts Receives Emergency Funding
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Child Care Counts funding had been set to end this winter with no replacement. This is supplemental pandemic-era funding that child care providers across the state relied on to stabilize a broken business model. It allowed them to pay employees a living wage, stemming closures... without raising already-high fees for parents.
With leadership from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) and Raising Wisconsin, our region's collaborative partners worked hard to advocate for a solution to be included in Wisconsin's Biennial Budget, which failed. The State Legislature continues to meet in special session to discuss a slate of GOP-led proposals that do not address the root cause of closures (the broken business model).
The Governor's measure is a stopgap that will keep childcare doors open through June of 2025... but it's not a long-term solution. Our Every Child Thrives collaborative will continue to be active in advocating for access to high quality early care because it benefits children, parents and local economies who rely on parents as workers.
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Changemakers in Action:
Foundation-Supported Programs Doing Great Things
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Safe Families for Children takes an innovative, community-led approach to prevent child abuse and neglect, reduce the number of children entering the child welfare system, and support and stabilize families. They are looking for people to become involved. Visit the QR code link to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
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Jefferson County Human Services Behavioral Health Division Manager Holly Pagel presented at the Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Conference. Holly was selected to present on “Innovative Solutions to Wisconsin's Mental Health Crisis” focusing on the partnership with Law Enforcement, the opening of the Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility and many other unique practices.
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How Can We Support Your Work? |
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The Foundation provides resources, tools and support to changemakers who work toward measurable improvement in community health. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $34 million in its three strategic, child-focused priorities: Strong Families, Kindergarten Readiness and School Success.
Capacity Building Grants are for agencies looking to advance their missions by developing leadership skills or strengthening organizational efforts.
Health Equity Grants support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects or initiatives focused on removing obstacles to health for populations not well served under current systems and policies. The Foundation recognizes the dignity and value of every person, envisioning thriving communities where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Proposals must directly support the communities served by the school districts of Dodgeland, Hustisford, Ixonia, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Waterloo and Watertown.
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Further Resources (click on the links to access)
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Developmental Screening in Rural Communities - The National Institute for Children's Health Quality discusses unique challenges rural communities face with respect to early access to services, and the important role developmental screening can play
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920.390.4000
672 Johnson Street, Suite 300, Watertown WI 53094
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