Learn The Signs, Act Early Program Ambassador
2019 Highlights
Docs for Tots’ Director of Programs, Melissa Passarelli, was named 2019 CDC Act Early Ambassador for New York State. Learn the Signs, Act Early (LTSAE) is a research-based early childhood public health campaign from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It aims to improve early identification of children with developmental delays and disabilities by promoting developmental monitoring so children and families can get the services and support they need as early as possible. They offer free tools to help parents and professionals track developmental milestones.
Melissa is leveraging her CDC training to promote developmental milestones and improve early identification of developmental delays and disabilities throughout the state. Since May 2018, she:
- Collaborated with Child Care Councils, WIC sites, childcare providers, and community organizations like the Long Island Diaper Bank to integrate LTSAE materials into their programs
- Partnered with Nassau Libraries to disseminate 1000 born to read bags, which included information on the Milestone Tracker app, to pregnant and postpartum women at WIC centers.
- Trained Help Me Grow – Long Island’s Family Partners about LTSAE and provided materials for dissemination to parents across Long Island
- Presented to state-level partners about LTSAE and how to use them to promote child development
The work Melissa does as Act Early Ambassador as Director of Programs at Docs for Tots supports children’s development as the foundation for a healthy and successful society.
