While the state could withdraw from Part H at any time, we concluded that continued participation is advisable. Without Part H, birth to three programs would still exist but there would be no detailed requirements for coordination and federal Part H funds would not be available. Because the future fiscal situation is unknown and measurable outcomes are absent, legislative attention is warranted. Implementation Challenges State programs are not always consistent with Part H requirements nor do programs always work together. As a result, funding for birth to three programs is complex for local providers to access.
Duplication occurs between agencies in conducting child screenings and program monitoring.
This results in a lack of accountability in some areas and a reluctance to participate by some school districts. The five participating state agencies should draft a common set of rules that will define agency and provider roles and responsibilities under Part H. DSHS should take the lead in this effort. Within the next five years, the legislature should conduct an evaluation of the Part H program which will include program outcomes and evaluation of DSHS as the lead agency. DSHS and the State ICC should develop outcome measures and track the progress of the Part H program in anticipation of future evaluations.