A need for social workers

There is an extensive amount of research on early childhood development and the long-term benefits of high-quality early childhood intervention programs (click here for a list of articles). This research is staring policymakers in the face, however they still continue to cut from the programs that are in place only to benefit the underprivileged, developmentally delayed and at risk youth of our nation. They cut funds but expect more work by increasing service hour requirements and in the same breath decrease monetary resources. The policymakers create barriers not only to the implementation but also to the access of early childhood programs by forcing agencies into restrictive eligibility criteria.

Many different children benefit from the services of ECI, from children with developmental delays to children who have been abused or neglected to children of different ethnicities. Linette Azzi-Lessing, PhD explains, "the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires child welfare systems to refer infant and toddler victims of maltreatment for assessment by early intervention programs. CAPTA's intent is to identify and begin addressing developmental delays and other conditions as early as possible." Minorities--Latino and African American children--are overrepresented among young children with disabilities, which stems from socioeconomic issues around access to health care, nutrition and prenatal care. According to Azzi-Lessing social workers' presence in the field of early intervention is dwindling. Social workers bring vast knowledge and experience around child development as well as advocacy. Social workers need to stand up and "educate policy makers about the importance of extending early intervention services to young children affected by social and emotional risk factors such as poverty and maternal depression (Azzi-Lessing). We as social workers need to stand up and advocate for policies that benefit youth as well as get involved with early childhood programs to ensure the implementation of family-centered and culturally competent services.

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