01+Early+Childhood

**Early Childhood Education** **Contact Information:** Jill Johnson 507-379-5188 jjohnson@albertlea.k12.mn.us Jerry Yakle 507-379-5206 jyakle@albertlea.k12.mn.us

__**Ages Birth to 3**__ ** What is Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention ** Having a baby is one of the most exciting, joyous and intense experiences a family can have! Parents wait anxiously for the birth of their baby and hope to have a healthy child. They watch their baby’s development with awe and wonder. However, some babies experience delays in their development and this can be a very difficult time for parents.

Minnesota’s Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention services are provided for eligible children birth to three years of age who may be experiencing delays in their development for several reasons, including special health conditions. These services are designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child and their family and are offered at no cost to families. Accessing these services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes for the child.

 ** What is Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention? **
====  Help     Me Grow Infant and Toddler Intervention services provide developmental support and instruction for young children with disabilities or delays in their development. Minnesota children from birth to three years old who are eligible for Help Me Grow can receive services in their home, child care setting or in their local school early childhood programs. These services are free regardless of income or immigration status. ==== ==== Once eligibility has been determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, early childhood specialists work with families to plan the services and supports they and their child need. These may include:  ==== ==== You can call 1**-866-693-GROW (4769) or use the easy online referral** if you have concerns about your child’s development. Once a referral is made, you will be contacted by staff in your local community to get more information regarding your concerns. Perhaps they will arrange for a developmental screening or schedule a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention Services. ==== ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> If the decision is made to evaluate your child for possible eligibility for Help Me Grow, a team of qualified professionals who have training and experience in child development will observe and interact with your child to determine your child’s eligibility. ==== ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> If your child is found to be eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention Services, you will meet with a team of early childhood professionals to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with details on the services that will be provided for you and your child. ==== <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">__**Ages 3 to 6**__ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The goal of Preschool Special Education services according, to the U.S. Department of Education, is “to enable young children to be active and successful participants during the early childhood years and in the future in a variety of settings – in their homes with their families, in child care, in preschool programs, and in the community.” Each of Minnesota’s public school districts provides Preschool Special Education services. Last year, more than 14,000 preschoolers participated. Services are free for eligible children. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Minnesota’s **Help Me Grow: Preschool Special Education** provides services based on the needs of preschool children who meet state eligibility criteria for developmental delay or other disability, and who are experiencing challenges in their learning and development. Children may be eligible if if they are not able to learn, speak or play like other children who are the same age.
 * ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> Special developmental instruction, speech, physical and occupational therapy;   ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> Ways that a family can support their child’s development at home; and   ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: smaller;"> Coordination and assistance to access other needed community resources and programs.   ====

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Help Me Grow: Preschool Special Education services are individually tailored to meet the unique learning needs of each child. It is important to get help to children as early as possible to promote the best possible developmental outcomes for your child.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Call **1-866-693-GROW (4769)** or your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development. You may also use the Help Me Grow online form to make a referral to Help Me Grow: Preschool Special Education.