Referrals are comprehensive and are made to a variety of agencies and service systems including medial, educational, social services, financial, family support, respite, mental health, child care, etc. Because the ECDC network is not tied to a direct service provider, the staff members of a center are able to be objective problem solvers. ECDCs pride themselves in offering options and choices whenever possible to help parents make educated decisions on behalf of their child. The program assists parents in understanding normal developmental milestones and answers parental questions on subjects like toilet training, sleep patterns, crying, and discipline. Centers offer lists of home activities for parents and children, including activities designed to encourage speech and language.
Staff are available to observe and screen a child for special needs.
If a child does have special needs, ECDC assists in developing partnerships between child care and special education professionals so that young children with special needs can be included in community settings. They also offer information on parenting a child with special needs. Referrals to local parent groups and groups for specific disabilities, conditions, and syndromes are available. ECDC staff are knowledgeable about financial assistance including SSI and Medicaid, and can help a family through the maze of policies, laws, and rights. This ensures recommendations were appropriate and allows the family to reconnect as needs change or other issues emerge.