Program & Expenditures
Below are our program goals for 2026.
- Early Intervention Program Goals and Professional Development Initiatives: Our Early Intervention (EI) team remains committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based services to children and families in our community. Below are several key initiatives and goals for the upcoming year:
- Service Coordinator Certification: Remaining coursework will be completed to achieve a 5-year Service Coordinator certification, as training opportunities have recently become available again in mid-2025.
- Developmental Specialist Certification: The final Developmental Specialist (DS) course will be completed to obtain a 5-year certification.
- Team Professional Development: The EI staff will continue to participate in evidence-based trainings to support both individual growth and team collaboration. Planned upcoming courses include Early Communication, Neurodiversity in Young Children, and Tongue Tie Training/Support.
- Child Find and Outreach Efforts: We will strengthen our outreach by updating the website, collaborating with local WIC and Children Services programs to re-educate staff on the EI program and referral process, and increasing partnership with local schools to support Child Find initiatives. Data from the past year indicates limited referrals from Children Services and none from WIC, highlighting the importance of renewed engagement.
- Peer Reflection and Team Development: Peer reflection activities will be incorporated into team meetings to enhance skills, service quality, and overall productivity.
- Infant Massage Certification: The program will identify an Infant Massage certification training to ensure at least one county board EI service provider becomes certified.
- Newborn Observation (NBO) Certification: At least one county board EI service provider will complete the necessary training to become certified in the Newborn Observation (NBO) tool, ensuring continued access to this important resource.
- Program Growth and Capacity Building: As the county and EI referrals continue to grow, we will monitor the evolving needs of children and families served and add service providers or supports as needed.
- Required Training Compliance: All EI Service Coordinators will complete the new Principles of Service Coordination Module 3 training as required by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) during this fiscal year.
- Enhance Onboarding Processes: Strengthen the onboarding experience across the agency and within the SSA department. Beginning in 2026, partner with SOCOG to provide mentoring services for new SSAs.
- Technology Integration: Collaborate with the IT department to develop a comprehensive digital onboarding platform that supports consistent training and orientation.
- Process Improvement: Continue applying LEAN methodologies to streamline internal workflows, with a focus on improving the ISP process.
- Provider Engagement: Develop a virtual provider series accessible in multiple formats to promote learning and engagement.
- Software Evaluation: Research, evaluate, and implement software solutions that enhance the efficiency of provider searches.
- Training & Support: Provide training for providers on effectively using Brittco for service coordination and documentation.
- Community Collaboration: Support the creation and facilitation of a Facebook provider group to strengthen communication and collaboration among providers.
- Assistive Technology Advancement: Partner with the IT department to expand and improve the use of assistive technology across all services.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Identify key data points and initiate data collection to inform strategic planning and performance improvement.
- Enhance Accessibility Across the County: Complete or actively advance efforts to install adult changing stations at key community or healthcare locations within the county, ensuring equitable access and promoting inclusivity for all residents.
- Build Sustainable Partnerships: Secure commitments from major community events to include accessibility initiatives in their future budgets, either independently or through co-sponsorship opportunities.
- Foster Community Connections: Facilitate meaningful connections for at least 20 individuals by linking them with local organizations, groups, or community members that align with their interests and support needs.
- Celebrate Disability Pride: Promote awareness, inclusion, and celebration of disability identity by establishing ongoing engagement and communication efforts during Disability Pride Month and beyond.
- Promote Community Inclusion: Ensure individuals we support have the opportunity to participate in at least three community events each year, fostering greater visibility, connection, and inclusion within the broader community.
2026 Program and Expenditures Plan
Please send any questions and/or comments to Marie Wilbanks, Superintendent, at mwilbanks@pickawaydd.org.
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