Occupational therapy's role in promoting the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” developmental monitoring program to public health employees

Abstract

Background

Occupational therapists can play a key role in early identification of delay at the population health level by providing education to public health employees on how to implement developmental monitoring with caregivers of children birth to age 5.

Methods

A pretest posttest design was utilized to assess the online education and training that was provided to Department of Public Health employees (N = 339), including Head Start, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Home Visiting, and Early Intervention.

Results

Analysis of pretest-posttest survey data showed significant results for all 12 key learning outcomes. Six out of 12 outcomes were found to have a large effect size (d > 0.8), 4 outcomes indicated a medium effect size (d > 0.5), and 2 outcomes had a small effect size (d > 0.2). Participants gained knowledge of the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (LTSAE) developmental monitoring program, the difference between developmental monitoring and screening, the state's referral system and age-appropriate parental engagement activities through knowledge of child development.

Conclusions

Occupational therapists are child development specialists who can provide education on developmental monitoring and activities for parental engagement. The online course proved to be an effective platform to promote LTSAE within state agencies.