Parent Early Evaluation of Kids: PEEK Outreach Training Project. Final Report.

This report describes achievements and activities of the Parent Early Evaluation of Kids (PEEK) Outreach Project at the University of Oregon. This project focused on assisting state agencies, regional and tribal entities, and local health and education programs to develop comprehensive, low-cost systems for child-find and referral. Rural and inner city areas with high concentrations of under-served children and families were especially targeted. Training modules included: (1) best practice in screening and assessment of young children, including the use of parent-completed questionnaires; (2) collaborative Child Find and public service awareness activities; (3) referral and tracking systems; and (4) evaluation of screening/tracking efforts. A training-of-trainer model was used. The project has resulted in providing assistance to state and county programs as they develop interagency, coordinated, and comprehensive systems for screening and tracking infants and preschool age children. Personnel from a variety of agencies received training in screening that focused on the inclusion of parents as partners in the screening/tracking process. Community-based personnel were provided with skills and materials to assist in screening, identifying, and referring young children. Training-of-trainers sessions were conducted to allow states to continue independently training their agency directors and service providers. (DB)