Developmental Milestone Resources for WIC Programs

Developmental Monitoring Tools for WIC Programs

Click Here for Developmental Monitoring Tools for WIC

Watch this video to learn how WIC can support every child's development. Visit the online implementation guide to get started!

A Helpful Online Implementation Guide for WIC Providers!

1 in 6 children has developmental delays or disabilities. Children from families with low incomes, like those served by WIC, are at even greater risk. You can make a difference for these children by implementing the WIC Developmental Milestone Checklist Program in your clinic, using the free resources described below and making a referral when there is a concern.

Using CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. resources within WIC settings can:

• Help staff respond to questions or concerns from families about their child's development.
• Provide a quick and easy way to monitor a child's early development.
• Help families set goals related to their child's growth and development.
• Offer family education about developmental milestones and tips for supporting their child's development.
• Help staff know when and where to refer a child with a possible developmental delay.

Note: These resources support developmental monitoring, but do not replace developmental screening. They help staff decide when to refer a child to other professionals for screening and further assessment.

It's Working in WIC!

WIC clinics in Missouri have developed a model to successfully integrate CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. Research shows that the model is highly acceptable to staff and families and works to identify and support children at risk.

• 96% of WIC staff referred one or more children with suspected delays

• 80% of WIC staff report that implementation takes less than 5 minutes

The model includes:

1. Engaging imagery on the walls and floors of the clinic introduce milestone monitoring in a fun and friendly way.
2. Families completing milestone checklist while staff complete data entry tasks.
3. Brief discussion of the completed checklist and referral to the child's healthcare provider and/or early intervention program when concerns are noted.

To learn more about how this model was developed and tested in Missouri, visit this page.

WIC staff can help children with suspected developmental delays receive the help they need by:

1. Implementing the WIC Developmental Milestone Checklist Program in Clinic(s)
   1. Integrate simple messages and easy-to-use tools into clients' regular visits, with support from the WIC Developmental Milestone Checklist Implementation Guide.
   2. Integrate LTSAE developmental milestone checklists into clinic visits.
2. Promoting Family Awareness
   
   1. Provide families a checklist to complete at regular intervals, such as certification visits.
   2. Review the completed checklist with families and encourage them to share it with their child's healthcare provider.
   3. Provide families a Milestone Moments booklet or the link to CDC's Milestone Tracker app and encourage them to monitor development between visits.
3. Making a Referral
   1. Refer to the child's healthcare provider and/or early intervention program, when needed, for formal screening and assessment.
   2. Support families in following up on concerns by sharing CDC's tip sheet on How to Get Help for Your Child.

What WIC Providers are Saying!

Other Resources for WIC Staff

WIC Works

The WIC Works serves as a resource system that provides online education and training centers for staff of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC Works provides links to other Internet sites as a service to health and nutrition professionals.

National WIC Association

NWA is the non-profit education arm and advocacy voice of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and children (WIC).

Print or view a handout (PDF) of this information

Click to print or view the WIC Program Staff Quick Guide in English and Spanish.