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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

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December 9, 2024

Updates from the ECTA Center

Preparation for 2023 SPP/APR

As Part C staff continue preparing their FFY 2023 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR), due by February 3, 2025, The Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy) and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) offer several resources.

  • SPP/APR Package Review: Contact DaSy TA Liaisons or ECTA State Contacts as soon as possible for review of draft SPPs/APRs, including the SSIP. The review checks calculations and ensures the report addresses all required elements. If interested in a review, specify the indicators to be reviewed and the date feedback is needed.
  • FFY 2023 SPP/APR package: Pay special attention to new required information on general supervision systems to be included in the introduction.
  • SPP/APR Submission Guidance: These resources have been developed by DaSy and ECTA.:
    • SPP/APR Checklists and Tips: These useful resources assist in developing and reviewing a state's SPP/APR. Guidance regarding content to include in each indicator and relevant resources are provided.
    • Data Calculations (NEW): These documents provide detailed information about the data needed for the indicator calculations. They are based on the federal measurement tables and related documentation.
    • SPP/APR Basics, What You Need to Know: This collection of self-directed modules on the SPP/APR are especially helpful for anyone who is new to the SPP/APR and to anyone who just wants a refresher.
  • IDEA Part C Indicator 12 Resources (NEW): Beginning with the FFY 2023 SPP/APR, states are required to report on the correction of findings of noncompliance in indicator C12. Guidance is available to help states track and report this data. Also included are scenarios and an Excel-based data tracking tool.
  • SPP/APR Resources: Example resources include the IDEA Part C FFY 2023 SPP/APR User Guide and the Part C SPP/APR FFY 2023 Template.
Read more: https://ectacenter.org/idea/sppaprmodule/

State Recruitment and Retention Strategies Search

Personnel shortages disproportionately impact young children from historically marginalized and underserved communities, including communities of color, those experiencing poverty, and those with disabilities. The State Recruitment and Retention Strategies Search is a database of strategies used by state and local programs across the nation. The search has seven criteria:

  • Strategy area
  • Personnel targeted
  • States and territories
  • Agency or organization
  • Funding source
  • Equity focus
  • Short or long-term solution

Users can also submit additional strategies. The database is a result of the Recruitment and Retention Synthesis work by ECTA and an expert technical working group (TWG) that began in 2023.

Read more: https://ectacenter.org/topics/personnel/strategies-search.asp

News from the Field

Inside HRSA's Maternal Mental Health Hotline Campaign

Help is available from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) for anyone facing maternal mental health needs. Building on the success of the HRSA maternal mental health hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA), the HRSA announced an awareness campaign through community health partnerships with its maternal mental health champions. The hotline was launched in 2022 to help pregnant people or new mothers get help for any feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed.

The champions include retailers, grocers, pharmacies, and health or community organizations who are committed to promoting the hotline using HRSA's educational materials.

Source: https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/feature/Inside-HRSAs-maternal-mental-health-hotline-campaign

Opportunity to Comment on AHRQ Draft Report

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) seeks public comment on a technical brief that provides an evidence map for existing pediatric quality measures for vision, hearing, and developmental screening and follow-up. Early detection of vision, hearing, and developmental concerns, with appropriate follow-up, can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment and improved child and adult health outcomes. The report is available for comment until December 27, 2024. Submit comments to Pediatric Quality Measures Program 3.0: An Evidence Map of Measures for Vision, Hearing, and Developmental Screening and Followup.
Source: https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/pqmp/draft-report

Research

New Reports on Adverse Childhood Experiences in North Carolina and the South

In New Reports on Adverse Childhood Experiences in North Carolina and the South, two recently published policy briefs quantify the problem and help bring renewed attention to social policies that address child poverty and well-being. The reports are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in North Carolina, 2016-22 and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the South and U.S., 2022. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). Examples include covering basic living expenses with family income; witnessing violence in the home or community; and having a family member attempt or die by suicide. In addition, growing up in a home in which individuals are dealing with substance use, mental health problems, instability due to parental separation, or household members being in jail or prison can undermine a child’s sense of well-being, stability, and bonding.

Source: https://fpg.unc.edu/news/new-reports-adverse-childhood-experiences-north-carolina-and-south