2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2026 | 10:05 AM - 11:05 AM | Back to the Basics | Orlando
Back to the Basics
EHDI programs function as essential systems which help detect hearing loss in infants and establish their access to proper services at the earliest stages. The Back to the Basics of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) presentation delivers complete EHDI program information to clinicians and program managers and allied health professionals who work with newborn and infant hearing screening. The presentation teaches participants about EHDI program targets which include the three national benchmarks that require newborn screening before one month and diagnostic assessment within three months and early intervention enrollment at six months.
The presentation will guide participants through the process of establishing a hearing screening clinic by explaining state and federal reporting obligations and facility preparation and workflow implementation. The presentation offers hands-on guidance about choosing and sustaining correct screening tools while focusing on Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) systems comparison. The presentation includes a review of existing certification and training requirements for screeners to help participants maintain both compliance and professional competence.
The presentation will explain methods for finding qualified pediatric audiologists and diagnostic providers to build strong referral partnerships which enhance patient care continuity. The presentation includes actual case studies and useful materials which help professionals track data correctly and submit reports on time while monitoring performance.
The session helps participants regain essential knowledge which enables them to boost their EHDI program quality and consistency and achieve better results. The session provides participants with functional resources and enhanced self-assurance to deliver family-focused hearing services to children from screening to intervention.
- Core components of 1-3-6 EHDI fundamentals and best practices
- Choosing the correct equipment
- Billing, collaboration with other programs, screening, and referral to other programs
Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Kristen Craig
(Primary Presenter), Clayton County Health Department, kristen.craig@dph.ga.gov;
Kristen Craig is the Early Intervention Director at the Clayton County Health District in Georgia, where she leads multidisciplinary programs that support children with developmental delays and disabilities, including Babies Can’t Wait, Children 1st, and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. With more than a decade of experience in early childhood and public health systems, she has been instrumental in advancing access to family-centered services and integrated behavioral health approaches across the county.
Kristen recently completed her Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree, focusing on leadership, quality improvement, and the integration of behavioral health into public health and primary care systems. Her expertise spans program development, cross-sector collaboration, and Lean process improvement, ensuring that health and early intervention programs operate efficiently and equitably.
Passionate about early identification and service coordination, Kristen has led initiatives to strengthen provider engagement, streamline referral pathways, and improve data reporting within Georgia’s EHDI network. She is a frequent collaborator with pediatric clinics and community-based organizations to expand local screening capacity and ensure that families receive timely diagnostic and intervention services.
Kristen’s work reflects a commitment to innovation, compassion, and community partnership—helping ensure that every child in Georgia has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through early hearing detection and comprehensive developmental support.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Tracy Anderson
(Co-Presenter), Clayton County Health Department, tracy.anderson@dph.ga.gov;
Tracy Anderson has worked as the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Coordinator for Clayton County Health District for over 10 years to provide timely high-quality care to children with hearing issues. Tracy directs newborn hearing screening follow-up activities and connects families with audiologists and early intervention programs and hospitals to guarantee every child receives necessary services after screening.
Tracy has established dependable connections between healthcare organizations and community systems because of her caring nature and thorough approach and unrelenting dedication to family support. Public health values shine through her work because she helps families find appropriate care when they need it most. She combines expertise in data management with program coordination and family engagement to maintain both state and federal EHDI standards and deliver personalized family-centered services.
Tracy dedicates herself to both operational program work and actively works to provide parents with essential information and resources which help them support their children's development. Through her leadership and advocacy efforts Clayton County children now receive early interventions that lead to better communication skills and future achievements.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -