External Factors that Can Impact Your Screening Program

When analyzing your current screening program, it's also important to consider outside factors that can impact the future success of your program. Consider how the items listed below will influence your screening practices.

Community resources

• Is there district- or state-level guidance and support for screening practices?
• How many children in your community have access to screening services?
• Are there other professionals that provide screening services to the families you serve, such as pediatricians or child care providers?

Funding opportunities

• What funding is your program currently receiving?
• Is the funding source stable?
• Are there additional funding opportunities to support your program’s work?
• How much time will need to be invested to secure additional funds?

Stakeholder priorities

• Is developmental screening and overall child development a priority to your organization?
• To your community?
• To your state?
• How can you capitalize on the support that currently exists and leverage it toward something greater?

New regulations (federal, state)

• What new regulations have been recently passed?
• Are there regulations in development?
• How will they affect your program?
• Are you in compliance?
• How can you connect with policymakers to help inform their decisions?

Workforce issues

National economy

• Does your state have a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)?
• Is developmental screening included in the QRIS framework?