Framework in Action
Partnerships with Early Childhood Providers Improve Social/Emotional Delays in Children

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), Florida – Orlando, FL

A high percentage of families in Orange County move frequently. Because of this, OCPS gathered early childhood service providers and partners from mental health organizations, law-enforcement agencies, and the Department of Children and Families to discuss what steps needed to be taken to help the county’s children start kindergarten ready to learn, socially and emotionally.

After mapping existing services and gaps, the partners decided to carry out the Incredible Years evidence-based program. The program addresses social/emotional delays in preschool children, ages 3–5, and includes a BASIC Parent Training that supports families of children who show social/emotional–development delays. Schools, early childhood providers, and advocates formed partnerships to help ensure the parenting program expanded into the community. This collaboration led to 151 BASIC Parent Training sessions throughout the county and 1,158 parents completing the training.

During the implementation period, 3,902 children were evaluated for social/emotional delays; 28 percent were identified as having developmental delays in social/emotional development. Of the 413 students that graduated to kindergarten over the 4-year period, 322 (78 percent) of those students no longer scored as delayed, scoring within the average range of children. One hundred percent (100 percent) showed gains on the post-test.

The partnership continues.

Strategic Approach: