Relationship Between State-Level Developmental Screening and IDEA Part C Early Intervention Rates

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a relationship exists between the rates of state-level developmental screening by a health care provider and state-level provision of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C (IDEA Part C) early intervention services. This is an important first step in determining whether states have the capacity to deal with a potential influx of newly identified children. This analysis compared screening rates from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health with service rates from the Department of Education’s 2016 IDEA Part C data. There was no significant relationship between rates of screening by a health care provider and receipt of IDEA Part C services ( r = .13, p = .366). Those who identified as White were screened and provided with IDEA services at a higher percentage than non-White ( r = .80, p < .001). There was a significant relationship between region and receipt of IDEA Part C services, F(3) = 8.14, p < .001, with the Northeast region ( M = 4.95, SD = 1.85) having higher percent served via IDEA Part C services. Results indicate no relationship between state levels of screening by a health care provider and receipt of IDEA Part C services. Efforts to increase developmental screening may require strategies to ensure adequate service access.