Help Me Grow helps to identify children in need of developmental, behavioral or learning supports, and connects them with community-based programs for health and developmental services at no cost. More specifically, the program provides:
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (crawling, walking, etc.). A developmental screening is a short questionnaire to assess if a child is achieving these developmental milestones. Screenings help to objectively determine whether children are learning these basic skills when he or she should, or if there are delays. Monitoring healthy development means paying attention to the child’s physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Click here for more information on developmental screenings
Many children with developmental delays are not being identified as early as possible. As a result, these children must wait to get the help they need to do well in social and educational settings. In the United States, about 13% of children 3 to 17 years of age have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, intellectual disability, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In addition, many children have delays in language or other areas that can affect school readiness. However, fewer than half of children with developmental delays are identified before starting school, by which time significant delays already might have occurred and opportunities for treatment might have been missed.
Every age group brings within itself new changes and skills required. While a child may have no concerns at 6 months, this does not guarantee that there will be no concerns at 24 months or 48 months or beyond; rescreening at each interval is imperative in order to identify these shifts and ensure healthy development over the long-term. Click here for typical developmental milestones
Pediatricians are key partners in monitoring the health of your child. However, some may not complete developmental screenings as part of routine visits.
Additionally, early care educators are important in fostering the learning and growth of young children. However, some centers may not be using screenings routinely as part of their practice.
Calling Help Me Grow to complete a developmental screening helps track gaps or progress in different areas of development to ensure the best outcomes for children.
Care Coordinators are specially trained to handle calls related to the health, development, behavior and learning of children. They support families by providing information and education on these topics, researching and making referrals to services, and providing continued support, advocacy and follow-up as needed. Care Coordinators offer personalized, sensitive, and culturally-relevant support for you and your child. Click here to contact a care coordinator