About Our Partners

From national advocacy organizations to small-town grassroots groups, our partners help spread the word and bring the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” programs’s important messages to parents everywhere.

Act Early Ambassadors

CDC’s Act Early Ambassadors are the voice and hands of “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” in their state, territory, or for their national organization. They collaborate with local and state organizations to integrate “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” messages and materials into local communities and statewide systems that serve families with young children.

List of Act Early Ambassadors (2016-2018) »
Ambassador Bios »

National Partners

CDC would like to thank the following national partners for their involvement and contributions in the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program:

Administration for Children and Families
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
AAP provides information on child health, guidelines concerning pediatric issues, resources, and tools.

Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)
The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is a national resource, partner and advocate for state public health leaders and others working to improve the health of women, children, youth and families, including those with special health care needs.

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
AUCD’s mission is to advance policy and practice for and with people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, and service activities that achieve our vision.

Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation’s mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.

Autism Society
Autism Society provides free information and referral services for parents, an interactive website, educational and scientific conferences, and legislative advocacy for services and funding for research.

Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

Bright Futures
Bright Futures is a national health promotion initiative dedicated to the principle that every child deserves to be healthy and that optimal health involves a trusting relationship between the health professional, the child, the family, and the community as partners in health practice.

Easter Seals
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals

First Signs
First Signs is dedicated to educating parents and professionals about early identification and intervention for children at risk for developmental delays and disorders, including autism.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA provides national leadership, program resources and services needed to improve access to culturally competent, quality health care.

Help Me Grow
The mission of the Help Me Grow National Center is to enable and support the building of HMG systems across the country so that states can implement effective, universal, early surveillance and screening for all children and link those at risk for developmental and behavioral problems to appropriate programs and services.

Lysol -Healthy Families
Lysol is committed to providing education, tools and access to open discussions to help moms raise healthy and thriving families.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions.

Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.

Rural Information Center (RIC)
RIC is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s, National Agricultural Library and provides information and referral services to America’s rural areas. RIC assists with information needs for rural child care providers, health care professionals and citizens, on child health topics. RIC is dedicated to supporting and strengthen rural families and has online resources, referral assistance, as well as staff available through a toll-free number 1-800-633-7701.

Local Partners and Program Champions

We would also like to thank the many local and regional grassroots partners – from health care professionals to child care providers to parents – who continue to dedicate their time and resources to help educate people about the importance of monitoring developmental milestones in children.