Improving Referrals to Preschool Special Education in Pediatric Primary Care.

Introduction The American Academy of Pediatrics created evidence-based guidelines that encourage early identification and referral for children with developmental delays. Although pediatric primary care providers are poised to link 3-to-5-year-old children to school-based services, there are gaps in making referrals. Method Educational dissemination of streamlined referral packets was introduced. Knowledge and perceived confidence were measured following an educational presentation. Retrospective chart reviews compared referral rates to preschool special education services when developmental delays were identified. Results Mean pretest to posttest knowledge and perceived confidence to refer children to preschool special education increased following education. Referral rates for 3–5 years-old by pediatric primary care providers doubled during the initial 8-week implementation period and remained constant 9 months later. Discussion Educational dissemination of a streamlined referral process in pediatric primary care is a sustainable approach that ensures preschool-aged children with developmental delays receive timely referrals for further school-based evaluations and interventions.