Early Childhood
Connecticut Family Screening, Tracking and Referral Systems (STARS)
In October 2021, The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) funded three programs to improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance (TA), supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities that support scientifically based research.
The University of Connecticut Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), will develop, demonstrate, evaluate, and replicate a model interagency system to identify, screen, refer, and track infants and toddlers at risk for, or having a delay or disability. Connecticut has procedures in place to screen and refer infants and toddlers for further developmental evaluation, but there are gaps in referral and tracking systems, especially for underrepresented families and children.
Model Elements
- Implement integrated data system across state systems for tracking and screening children from birth, or system entry.
- Use Ages and Stages Questionnaire to identify and monitor children’s development using a mobile app called Sparkler (and other options for families).
- Parent to Parent outreach to increase parent/caregiver participation in the tracking, identification, screening, referral or monitoring, and evaluation of services for their child.
STARS has a statewide Advisory Committee
State Stakeholders
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