Using an Access database to increase the efficency of a county early intervention program

In response to the complicated and labor intensive data reporting requirements that the Early Intervention program of Camden County faces, the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative created a database designed specifically with the needs of service coordinators and program administrators in mind. The system that was designed assists service coordinators by managing timeline priorities, progress notes, provider involvement, and regional reporting responsibilities. Program administrators utilize the system to monitor service coordination activities, track client trend data, and predict staffing needs based on the number of active cases in the system. This presentation will focus on the benefits of implementing this data system at the statewide level. State administrators will be better able to assess the needs and strengths of the program as well as work with school districts to plan for the enrollment of children with special needs. Standardized data collection and reporting will reduce administrative tasks and streamline programmatic activities at all levels. This coupled with improved caseload management will allow local and state programs to reduce costs and preserve resources. The Early Intervention database has improved efficiency and the provision of service in Camden County and will have an even greater impact for children with special needs if implemented throughout the state.