California MAP
California MAP
Working Together

Early Identification: Learn the Signs Act Early

This area of the MAP to Inclusion and Belonging website was developed in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Learn the Signs Act Early Grant partners in California. The goal of the grant is to promote distribution of the free CDC materials on developmental milestones to aid families, early care and education providers, home visitors, health care providers and others in identifying the early signs of a developmental delay. In addition, the categories to information found here on healthy Development and Developmental Milestones, Working with Families, When Concerns Arise, Developmental Screening, Referral for Evaluation and Assessment and ongoing support through Community Resources/Support for Families provide a well rounded set of resources to support families and providers to “Act Early” to address concerns.

The Early Identification Guide (PDF) provides a simple graphic and summary describing the key elements of early identification and Developmental Screening.

The Road Map for Helping Your Child Grow (PDF) is a tool that service providers can give to families to document the summary results of an ASQ Screening, along with next steps and resources.

Healthy Development and Developmental Milestones

CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics Update Developmental Milestones
February 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AAP have revised developmental milestones in the Learn the Signs. Act Early. program, which helps parents identify autism and developmental delays in their children.

The revised developmental milestones are written in family-friendly language and identify the behaviors that 75% or more of children can be expected to exhibit at a certain age based on data, developmental resources and clinician experience.

“The earlier a child is identified with a developmental delay the better, as treatment as well as learning interventions can begin,” Dr. Paul Lipkin, a member of the AAP who assisted with the revisions, said in a press release. “At the same time, we don’t want to cause unnecessary confusion for families or professionals. Revising the guidelines with expertise and data from clinicians in the field accomplishes these goals. Review of a child’s development with these milestones also opens up a continuous dialogue between a parent and the health care provider about their child’s present and future development.”

The process behind the revised milestones is detailed in an article titled “Evidence-Informed Milestones for Developmental Surveillance Tools” published in Pediatrics Tuesday. For a complete description of the changes read the entire article here.

Explore the Learn the Signs Act Early menu of tools and training associated with the Milestones, including the free downloadable poster, Milestones Matter, shown as part of this article.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Engaging Families in Healthy Development – Get your FREE Family Toolkit
Ages & Stages | 2022

Adapted from the trusted Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ®) family of products, this toolkit of resources will help you engage families in nurturing their child’s developmental and social-emotional skills. Families will get: 

  • Tips and guidelines on supporting the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
  • Pages of fun, easy, and low-cost learning activities that boost key developmental skills
  • A quick-guide to some of the most commonly asked questions about ASQ screening
  • Links to more tips and activities on the Brookes Publishing blog Share these resources with the families you work with, and help them get their children off to the best start in life!
25 Questions Early Childhood Professionals Should Ask Families
Brookes Publishing | May 4, 2021

Today’s families are increasingly complex and diverse—and as a professional working with young children, you’ll need to gather a solid foundation of information as you partner with their families. This post includes a helpful list of 25 important questions to ask when you meet with a young child’s family. Excerpted and adapted from Understanding Families, Second Edition, by Marci J. Hanson, & Eleanor W. Lynch, these questions are a great starting point for learning about children and families and preparing yourself to meet their needs.

Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive Initiative of the US Department of Health and Human Services
This initiative draws heavily on previous developmental and behavioral screening efforts by consolidating materials from a wide array of federal agencies and their non-federal partners. As part of this initiative, they have published a compendium of research-based developmental screening tools appropriate for use across a wide range of settings and tailored guides/resources for use with the screening tools geared toward nine different audiences including early care and education providers, early intervention providers, home visitors and families. The guides addresses the importance of developmental and behavioral screening, how to talk to parents, where to go for help, and how to select the most appropriate screening tool for the population served as well as the provider implementing the screening.
Bringing the Signs of Early Autism into Focus Video Tutorial (Video)
Published: Jun 2013 | 9 minutes The Kennedy Krieger Institute and Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have published a free online video to improve the recognition of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among pediatricians, parents and early intervention providers. The tutorial consists of six video clips that compare toddlers with no signs of ASD to toddlers with early signs of ASD and includes an explanation of how the specific behaviors exhibited by each child are either suggestive of ASD or typical child development.
First Signs
First Signs is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and professionals about the early warning signs of autism and related disorders.
First Words Project
FIRST WORDS© Project is a longitudinal research investigation in the Florida State University Autism Institute in the College of Medicine directed by Dr. Amy Wetherby. Our major goal is to identify early signs of developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other communication delays in children from 9 to 24 months of age. The website includes downloadable books and video in English and Spanish that demonstrate developmental milestones of communication for gestures in the 16 by 16 (16 gestures by 16 months). Also on the site is a video growth chart that shows what can be expected at various ages.
Milestone Tracker Mobile App
Milestones matter! Track your child's milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC's easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child's development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing. From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun!
Pathways.org
Pathways Awareness Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the benefit of early detection and early therapy for children with early motor delays. We strive to help all children develop to reach their fullest potential. Our website, designed for both parents and professionals, contains valuable information about children's physical development and crucial infant milestones, including a growth and development chart in 11 different languages that lets you track your child's physical, play, and speech milestones from 3 to 15 months. Great tip: Print out our chart and keep it on your refrigerator or above your changing table!
Will They Grow Out of It? Should I Be Concerned?
One of the challenges of parenting is knowing when it is time to get help for a child's development, behavior and learning. When a child seems behind or something just doesn't seem quite right, it can be difficult to know what to do.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to advancing the healthy development of babies and young children. Zero to Three disseminates key developmental information, trains providers, promotes model approaches and standards of practice, and works to increase public awareness about the significance of the first three years of life.
  • Little Kids, Big Questions Parenting Podcast Series This series addresses some of the most common (and challenging) issues facing parents of babies and toddlers, such as: helping a baby learn to sleep through the night; dealing with a picky eater; and learning to set limits on children’s behavior.
Select link for more information on ZERO TO THREE

Working with Families

Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) works to increase the nation’s capacity to effectively resolve special education disputes, reducing the use of expensive adversarial processes. CADRE works with state and local education and early intervention systems, parent centers, families and educators to improve programs and results for children with disabilities. CADRE is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education to serve as the National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education.
Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC)
The Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (CECMHC) was funded as an Innovation and Improvement Project by the Office of Head Start in October 2008. The 3-year grant brings together a group of university researchers to develop strategies to help Head Start programs build a strong mental health foundation for their children, families and staff. The site houses resources for Head Start mental health consultants, staff, families, administrators and T&TA Providers.
Family Engagement (MAP)
The MAP… Making Access Possible Project team has identified the following websites and resources that support family engagement and promote partnerships with families.
Head Start
The Office of Head Start (OHS) promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through local programs. Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. Read more about our history and services, explore more information, and find a program by selecting a topic area below.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to advancing the healthy development of babies and young children. Zero to Three disseminates key developmental information, trains providers, promotes model approaches and standards of practice, and works to increase public awareness about the significance of the first three years of life.
Zero to Three Sparks Video Series for Families on Child Development
Zero to Three

As an early childhood provider, you may hear parents wondering how their child is learning and growing at different stages. The Sparks video series is a free resource for parents that blends health, safety, sleep and nutrition topics with practical ways to promote children’s healthy learning and development

These videos were created by a diverse team of physicians and developmental experts from across the country. Each Sparks video goes hand-in-hand with a child’s check-up from birth to age 5 and can help caregivers know what to expect in the next stage of child development. Check out the videos and visit the Sparks website for more information. 

Available in Spanish

When Concerns Arise

Head Start ECLKC: Disabilities Services Newsletters – When Concerns Arise
The Head Start Disabilities Services Newsletter is produced monthly by the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (NCECDTL). It is dedicated to staff working with young children with disabilities and their families. The selection of newsletters below focus on topics covering When Concerns Arise.
  • Partnering with Families to Identify Developmental Concerns June 2019 This newsletter provides a case study, important considerations for dual language learners, tools and training modules to support a child care provider is identifying developmental concerns. One of the training modules is below, but review the entire newsletter to get a better understanding of all that’s involved in this process.
  • Relationship-based Practices: Talking with Families about Developmental Concerns (Training Module) June 2019 Engaging parents in collaborative conversations about screenings and referrals is more than just having a meeting or completing a form; it’s an ongoing process and an essential part of our relationship with families. It requires careful relationship-building in order for any conversations like this to take place, so that concerns can be addressed within the context of a trusting relationship. It’s reassuring for the parent to know that you are in this together, and that they are not alone in trying to figure this out. This training simulation outlines 6 relationship-based practices that will help you work with the family to explore concerns.
HealthyChildren.org
If You’re Concerned
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an overview for parents of what to do if they are concerned about their child's development.
Reasons for Concern: That your child or a child in your care may need special help (PDF)
Revised: Oct 2020

This brochure is a collaborative effort between the Department of Developmental Services and the California Department of Education. The brochure is designed to facilitate finding and identifying young children who may benefit from early intervention or specialized education services and to encourage appropriate referrals regarding these children to Early Start and special education preschool services. It can be ordered through the Publications Order Form.

Also available in:

Talking to Parents About Autism Kit and Video
A documentary-style, hands-on resource with examples of how to broach the topic of a potential developmental delay with parents. It contains real-life situations, strategies and success stories.
Talking with Parents When You Have Concerns About a Child in Your Care
This PowerPoint™ and accompanying article is designed to provide a framework for caregivers (anyone providing child care or out-of-school care for children) when they have concerns that a child in their care might have a developmental delay, disability, or significant behavior problem; when preparing to share concerns with a child’s parents or family members (anyone raising the child); or in understanding different ways family members will receive and act on an expressed concern.
Available translations:

Developmental Screening

American Academy of Pediatrics Early Childhood Screening
The Screening in Practices Initiative offers information and resources, including screening recommendations, practice tools, and individualized assistance, to help pediatric health care providers implement effective screening, referral, and follow-up for developmental milestones, maternal depression, and social determinants of health.
Birth to 5: Help Me Thrive – Compendium of Screening Measures for Young Children
  • Compendium of Screening Measures for Young Children (PDF) The Compendium of Screening Measures for Young Children is a collection of research-based screening tools for children under the age of 5. Practitioners in early care and education, primary health care, child welfare, and mental health can use this reference to learn cost, administration time, quality level, training required, and age range covered for each screening tool.
  • Developmental Screening Passport (PDF) The Developmental Screening Passport can be used to keep track of and share your child's screening history and results. Download a printable version.
Brookes Publishing
For 27 years, Brookes has published highly respected resources in early childhood, early intervention, inclusive and special education, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, communication and language, behavior, and mental health.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Learn the Signs Act Early

We naturally think of a child's growth as height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential.

Developmental and Behavioral Screening Guide for Early Care and Education Providers
Developmental and Behavioral Screening Guide for Early Care and Education Providers was developed by the California Statewide Screening Collaborative and funded by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Early Start and Health Services Section through its Race to the Top–Early Learning Challenge grant and produced by the WestEd Center for Prevention & Early Intervention under contract to DDS. This guide is designed to increase awareness of and access to screening, services and supports, and referral resources that are available for California's young children and their families.The first section contains an overview and discussion of the provider's role in screening and monitoring within the context of early care and education settings. The second section features a comprehensive list of developmental and behavioral screening resources that are available online.
First Signs
First Signs is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and professionals about the early warning signs of autism and related disorders.
MAP’s County Specific Resources
From this link click on your county and you'll find contact information and links to websites for that have information, training and programs that may benefit a child with or without special needs. Local contact information and links to websites are available for local Early Start Family Resource Centers, First 5, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Early Head Start and Head Start, 2-1-1 Information Centers, and other local initatives.

Referral for Evaluation and Assessment

California Early Start
California Early Start provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3. This site describes the services, eligibility and how to make a referral.
Early Childhood Information Sharing Tool Kit
The purpose of this Toolkit is to provide community providers with the information, tools, and resources to help families obtain developmental check-ups, receive additional services and referrals, track their child's care, and assist community providers to coordinate and share their concerns about a child's development with other community providers.
Family Resource Center Network of California (FRCNCA)
The FRCNCA is a coalition of California's 47 Early Start Family Resource Centers. Staffed by families of children with special needs, family resource centers offer parent-to-parent support and help parents, families, and children locate and use needed services. They offer support services and resources in many languages, which may include newsletters, resource libraries, websites, parent-to-parent groups, sibling support groups, warmlines, and information and referral for parents and professionals.
Prevention Resource and Referral Services (PRRS)
Infants and toddlers who do not qualify for Early Start may qualify for PRRS provided by local Family Resource Centers. The Regional Center determines if a child should be referred to PRRS based on risk factors.
Referral for Evaluation and Assessment (MAP)
  • MAP's Overview of California Early Start Training PowerPoint™ See also Journey's Through California Early Start PowerPoint™, which describes the referral process and services for three different children.
  • MAP's County Specific Resources Regional Centers for children birth to three and County Offices of Education of SELPAs for children over 3. Click on your county and you'll find contact information and links to the websites of the local Regional Center and County Office of Education, Special Education Local Plan Agency and Family Resource Centers.

Community Resources/Support for Families

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
MAP’s County Specific Resources
From this link click on your county and you'll find contact information and links to websites for that have information, training and programs that may benefit a child with or without special needs. Local contact information and links to websites are available for local Early Start Family Resource Centers, First 5, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Early Head Start and Head Start, 2-1-1 Information Centers, and other local initatives.