WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro
At just 10 months old, Liam’s world looks a little different from other babies in his child care group. While his peers babble, interact, crawl, and scoot, Liam tends to sit and watch quietly from a distance, taking in his surroundings with gentle curiosity. His caregivers have observed that he thrives in one-on-one interactions, but they wonder if providing extra support could help him explore his environment and fully engage with his peers.
When they shared these observations with his parents, the family felt a mix of uncertainty and concern. What steps should they take next?
Many families in Manatee County have felt apprehensive when navigating the early identification and referral process for children with potential developmental delays. Recognizing this, the Early Learning Taskforce (ELTF) set out to bring clarity and collaboration, helping families and educators access resources more easily and create pathways for children like Liam to thrive.
What is the Early Learning Taskforce?
Established in 2021, the Early Learning Taskforce (ELTF) brings together educators, early childhood advocates, and community leaders, all united by a shared goal: strengthening the early learning experience for Manatee County’s children. Meeting monthly, this dedicated group works to tackle challenges and find innovative ways to support families and educators. Members include representatives from the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC), Early Steps, Step Up Suncoast, and the school district’s Early Learning Team.
One of the ELTF’s key initiatives is the annual Transition to Kindergarten (T2K) Breakfast, where pre-K and kindergarten educators come together to share strategies, build connections, and strengthen relationships that support children during this critical transition. Sponsored by The Patterson Foundation, the breakfast not only features a delicious spread but also exemplifies what these organizations aim to achieve: a united community working together to support the success and well-being of its children.
Demystifying the Referral Process
This year’s T2K Breakfast, held on December 7th, highlighted the importance of early identification and the referral process—a topic close to the hearts of many educators. By catching developmental delays early, families, service providers, and teachers can work together to create personalized interventions that set children up for success as they transition to school.
The referral process has always been a valuable support for families, but the ELTF saw a chance to make it even more effective. By establishing clear guidelines and defining roles, they brought agencies together in a more coordinated effort. They also encouraged agencies with ELC contracts to guide parents directly to the ELC, simplifying the process and reducing duplication. Thanks to these thoughtful improvements, families can now access evaluations and resources more quickly, giving them the support they need when they need it most.
“Our goal was to build on the good work already being done and make the process as smooth and supportive as possible,” says Rachel Spivey, Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships at the ELC and a member of the ELTF. “When families feel supported and confident, children can access the resources they need to thrive even earlier.”
At the breakfast, the ELTF guided attendees through the referral process step by step, showing how it helps children and families navigate their unique journeys:
- Screenings: Using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), child care providers, pediatricians, and families track developmental milestones. These early check-ins, often conducted within 45 days of enrollment in programs like the ELC’s School Readiness or Early Head Start, help identify areas where children may need extra support.
- Referrals: If screenings indicate developmental concerns, families aren’t left to navigate the next steps alone. Depending on the child’s age:
- For children under three, referrals go to Early Steps for early intervention.
- For children over three, referrals are sent to the school district for further evaluation and tailored services.
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Specialists assess the child’s strengths and challenges in areas such as speech, motor skills, and social-emotional development. These evaluations create a roadmap for effective support.
- Individualized Plans: For children under three, Early Steps develops an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). For those over three, the school district creates a plan tailored to their needs. These plans set specific goals to help children grow and succeed.
- Ongoing Support: Children’s progress is regularly reviewed, ensuring support evolves with their needs.
Tools, Tips, and Teamwork
While the referral process was a key focus of this year’s T2K Breakfast, the event also covered other topics. Educators received practical tools to address challenges, like calming kits and social-emotional resources to help children manage big emotions. Occupational therapists led breakout sessions on behavioral strategies, giving teachers ideas they could implement immediately. Other sessions covered classroom setups and creating visual schedules.
The event also highlighted the taskforce’s partnership with The Patterson Foundation. Beth Guda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, shared their initiatives, including “This Book is Cool!” webisodes, Kindergarten Readiness Bags, and Remake Learning Days—a free, 15-day regional festival held from April 19 to May 3, 2025, across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
One attendee summed up the breakfast perfectly: “I left with tools I could use the next day. It was incredibly practical.”
As the ELTF expands its efforts, events like the T2K Breakfast show how a united community can empower families and support children’s success. And for families like Liam’s, this collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s life-changing.
For more information on the referral process, visit www.elc-manatee.org/Transition-to-Kindergarten
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