The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a recruitment video for the WIC Developmental Milestone Checklist Program [1].
This effort is designed to integrate developmental screening into the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. By leveraging existing WIC visits, the program seeks to identify potential developmental delays in children earlier than traditional screening methods might allow.
The program operates as part of the broader CDC initiative known as “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” [1]. The recruitment video specifically targets WIC administrators, providers, and staff to encourage their participation in the checklist process.
The CDC said the goal is to provide WIC staff with the tools necessary to monitor children's developmental milestones during their regular appointments [1]. This integration allows providers to observe a child's progress in a familiar environment while the family is already receiving nutritional support.
The video is available on the CDC's official YouTube channel and through the agency's website [1]. It outlines how the checklist program functions and the role that WIC staff play in the early detection of developmental concerns.
By training WIC providers to recognize these milestones, the CDC aims to create a more comprehensive support system for families. The program emphasizes that early identification is critical for implementing interventions that can improve long-term outcomes for children.
“The program operates as part of the broader CDC initiative known as “Learn the Signs. Act Early.””
Integrating developmental screenings into the WIC program represents a shift toward a more holistic public health approach. By utilizing a nutrition-based touchpoint to screen for developmental delays, the CDC can reach underserved populations who may not have regular access to pediatric specialists, potentially closing the gap in early intervention services.
