Supporting Spanish-Speaking Families Through Developmental Monitoring

In Fall 2024, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), in collaboration with Penn State Project ECHO, hosted a six-part Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series designed especially for early care providers and partners. This engaging series spotlighted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early program, focusing on better supporting Spanish-speaking families.

This series helped early childhood professionals and families work together to identify developmental delays and disabilities in children from birth through age 5. Participants explored how to use the CDC’s free Milestones Tracker App, available in both English and Spanish, to track developmental progress and promote early identification.

What participants learned:

• How to use CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. materials
• Family-engaged developmental monitoring strategies
• Real-world challenges and successes in developmental screening
• The value of social-emotional learning for families
• Building support systems and community connections
• A personal story from a family’s lived experience

Each session featured a short Flash Talk, a Case Presentation, and Resource Sharing, creating a welcoming space for learning and discussion. One participant shared that it was “an open, engaging, and supportive place to share ideas.”

By the numbers:

• 200+ registered participants
• 160+ attended at least one session
• Participants reported:
  • Increased confidence and knowledge
  • New tools to support families
  • A stronger sense of connection and community

One attendee said it best: “It gave me more resources for families. I felt a sense of community and shared experiences during the series.”

All registered participants can access session materials and resources anytime on the iECHO platform (iecho.org).

Questions? Please contact the Pennsylvania Learn the Signs. Act Early. Ambassador Ilecia Voughs at ivoughs@pattan.net.