Early Childhood ABA Request for Information

Early Childhood ABA

Request for Information

Introduction

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to give interested, qualified organizations the opportunity to inform Community Behavioral Health (CBH) of their current programming and treatment options for young children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Through this RFI process, CBH is soliciting responses to gather information on center-based services from current CBH providers as well as childcare providers who serve this population.

Project Background

Community Behavioral Health (CBH) is issuing an RFI from organizations with center-based programs that serve young children between two to five years old with an ASD diagnosis. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2023). Research shows that early diagnosis of and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms, development, and skill-building. CBH is dedicated to offering high quality, evidence-based treatment. This information will provide CBH with a better understanding of current program models and treatment interventions being utilized in addition to barriers agencies and individuals may face in receiving treatment. CBH may use this information to inform potential treatment development and expansion of current services for young children with an ASD diagnosis.

Terms of RFI

This RFI is for information gathering purposes only and is not intended to result in a contract with any respondent. CBH is seeking community insight and information prior to considering the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP).

While the goal of the RFI is to inform potential service development, this RFI does not commit CBH to publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), RFP, or award a contract. The issuance of an RFQ or RFP as a result of information gathering from these responses is solely at the discretion of CBH.

Responses to this RFI will in no way impact any future proposal submitted to RFQs or RFPs regarding this service. Those wishing to respond to any potential future proposals are not required to have first responded to this RFI.

Applicant and Project Requirements

Organizations responding to this RFI must either be (1) a licensed Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) provider through the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), (2) a licensed Child Care Center through the state of Pennsylvania or (3) a federally funded program (ex. Head Start). Responding agencies should have a center which serves children between two to five years old with an ASD diagnosis.

Following the Submission

CBH will review all submissions and determine next steps based on information submitted. CBH plans to share relevant insights publicly.

Responses to this RFI must be received no later than 2:00 PM on June 21, 2023.

Organization and Staff information

Provide the name of your organization.*

Provide the address of your organization.

Please provide your name.*

Please provide your email address.*

Please provide your telephone number.

Phone

Please provide your job title and if you hold any related licenses, certifications, etc.*

What type of licensing does your center have (ex. OCDEL, IBHS, IBHS-ABA)? If you do not have an OCDEL license, would your organization be willing to obtain one? If not, please share the reason.*

Do you have a Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) rating? If so, please share the rating. If not applicable, please enter N/A.*

Did you receive any grants or subsidies to help fund your program? If so, please share the name of grant or subsidy. If not applicable, please enter N/A.*

What is the primary purpose of your program (e.g., educational/pre-k, childcare, EIBI)? What domains of child development does your current model address?*

Is your program a freestanding facility or room/environment co-located in another facility? If co-located, what agency are you partnering with and how did you develop the partnership?*

Population Served/Schedule

What is the teacher/support staff to child ratio and how is this determined?*

What days of the week and hours do children attend your program? Is your schedule fixed or flexible based off the needs of the children attending the program?*

How are referrals obtained? Are there any exclusionary criteria when determining if a child might be appropriate for your center?*

Do you expel or administratively discharge children from your program? If so, how is this determined?*

Do you currently have a waitlist? If so, how is it determined who gets the next available spot?*

How many children receive early intervention services and how that is integrated into the daily schedule? Please identify any collaboration you have with other services or treatment supports (i.e. speech therapy, occupational therapy, specialized instruction). If not applicable, respond N/A.*

Treatment

How do you measure the outcomes or quality of your program?*

Do you use any tools for behavioral health assessments or evaluations? If so, please share which ones are completed and how frequently they are updated. (If not applicable, respond N/A).*

Please describe opportunities for inclusive activities with neurotypical peers and the frequency of these interactions. (If not applicable, respond N/A).*

Please share any evidence-based practices utilized. (If not applicable, respond N/A).*

Discuss any opportunities for parent training or involvement. If parents are not available during your core operating hours, how do you ensure this takes place? (If not applicable, respond N/A).*

Do you dispense medications to any children? If so, who performs this task and how are they trained?*

How is it determined when the child will be discharged from the center? When children are being discharged, please share how/if they are being connected with any additional treatment supports?*

Please share additional feedback regarding successes or challenges in supporting young children with an ASD diagnosis in a center-based setting.*

Heading

CBH remains committed to developing effective services to support children with Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. We appreciate your input and insight about current programming and treatment options for young children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

Please contact Stephanie DiLanzo with questions related to the RFI:

Stephanie DiLanzo

Supervisor of Provider Network Development

Community Behavioral Health

stephanie.dilanzo@phila.gov

215-413-7109

The RFI responses are due no later than 2:00 PM on June 21, 2023.

Send me a copy of my responses

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