The “Baby Steps Early Identification and Referral” program will focus on the identification and referral of children from birth to three years of age and their families. Our program will benefit children in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment. Parents and siblings will also benefit from family support groups and activities offered through Early Education Partnerships.

The “Baby Steps” program is designed to produce measurable improvements in the number of infants and toddlers screened for delays in development.

The programs measurable objectives are:

• Increase the number of children who are screened for delays.
• Increase the number of screened referrals to South Carolina First Steps BabyNet program.
• Increase the number of follow-up referrals to local early learning partners for children found ineligible for BabyNet services.
• Increase parent and provider knowledge of the developmental milestones.

Vicki Hinson is our Early Identification and Referral Community Screening Partner. She is responsible for the initial evaluation of BabyNet referrals, and will either pass the child on to the BabyNet Program (upon qualification using the ASQ – Assessment tool for pre-school children) or assist the family in finding alternate assistance programs (if the child does not qualify for BabyNet services).