*NEW* Child Development Monitoring Program Funded by King County Department of Community and Human Services

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of our new Child Development Monitoring Program generously funded by by King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) via Best Starts for Kids – King County, Washington. Designed specifically for Hispanic/Latino families across North King County with children under 5 years old, this initiative brings culturally responsive, play-based developmental screenings, interactive workshops, and direct navigation support straight into our local communities and homes.

Interactive Workshops & Play-Based Learning

Early childhood development happens naturally through play, connection, and communication. That is why Manos Unidas is partnering with trusted local community organizations to host free workshops in both virtual and in-person formats.

• Hands-On Play Sessions: Our flagship in-person sessions feature active, interactive play where parents and children learn practical everyday strategies together to stimulate language acquisition, boost social-emotional development, and build strong early learning habits.

  
  

• Free Play Bags: To continue the fun and learning at home, every participating family receives a complimentary play bag packed with age-appropriate tools.

  
  

• Safe & Local Access: Workshop dates are posted on our Events Calendar. To protect community safety and privacy, specific venue details are shared directly with participants upon registration.

Play-Based Screenings & Personalized Support

Understanding your child’s developmental milestones should be an empowering experience rather than a clinical one. Our team conducts screenings using two trusted, evidence-based tools:

• Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ-3)

  
  

• Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE)

  
  

Rather than a formal evaluation, these screenings take place through guided play in the comfort of family homes or familiar community settings. These sessions allow parents to gain clear insights into physical, communication, and social milestones, discover customized learning tips, and enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is on track.

If a screening indicates that a child could benefit from extra support, our team provides hands-on case management to connect families directly with early support services or local school district resources. For families requiring more comprehensive assistance, the UDS program connects seamlessly with Manos Unidas’ Home-Based Services program, offering deep, relationship-based guidance to help parents comfortably navigate healthcare, educational, and community systems for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Case Management & Warm Referrals

Beyond initial screenings, our team provides dedicated case management and warm referrals for children and caregivers who require additional support in meeting developmental milestones. Navigating educational and healthcare systems can feel overwhelming, so our staff walks alongside families through every step of the referral process to ensure children receive the exact care and services they need. For families who require a more intensive, long-term level of support, we offer direct referrals into our Home-Based Services program—providing deep, relationship-based guidance to help parents comfortably navigate healthcare, school district programs, and community resources.

Results help families connect to:

• Early intervention services

• Community resources

• Developmental supports

• Additional evaluations if needed

Meet Our New Program Specialists

To lead this vital initiative, we are proud to expand our team by welcoming two exceptional professionals whose experience and cultural roots bring extraordinary depth to our work:

• Selene Cazares — Community Educator & Screening Specialist

  
  

  Selene holds a degree in Psychology from Mexico and brings extensive non-profit experience leading community-based education projects for youth and families. She has previously collaborated on grant-funded screening initiatives with Sea Mar and Akin, making her a powerful advocate for accessible community education.

  
  

• Rebecca Barrientos — Developmental Specialist & Community Promotora

  
  

  A Peruvian and Venezuelan native, Rebecca holds a Special Education degree and a Master’s degree in Neurodevelopment. She combines years of grassroots experience as a trusted promotora with NISO on Seattle’s Eastside with a strong clinical foundation in child development.

  
  

Together, Selene and Rebecca bring incredible enthusiasm and care to their roles as they strengthen our overall Home-Based Services network.

Get Connected with the UDS Program

Whether you are a parent looking to track your child's milestones, a family wanting to join a workshop, or a neighbor interested in learning more, we are here for you:

• Schedule a Free Screening: Reach out to our team at info@manosunidasinternational.org to request an in-home or community session.

  
  

• Interested in Partnering?

  Are you an organization serving Latino children and families in King County?

  We’d love to partner with you to provide:

  • Community workshops

  • Developmental screenings

  • Family education events