They offer families and providers an opportunity to identify how children are developing. When needs or delays are present, high-quality early intervention programs can reduce the likelihood of children’s developmental delays, and the incidence of future learning, behavior, and health issues.

SOAR is a member of the Community Expert Council providing consultation to the Best Starts for Kids Prenatal to Five Developmental Screening Landscape Analysis and Strategic Plan. This is an initiative of King County’s Developmental Disabilities Division (KCDDD) within the Department of Community and Human Services.

Cardea Services is leading this work, in collaboration with KCDDD and WithinReach Washington. The purpose of the project is to conduct an assessment of the current state of developmental screening in King County through community and stakeholder engagement, then develop a strategic plan to support implementation of universal developmental screening in King County that meets the needs of all children prenatal to 5 years, and their families.