Program that supports families with young children in learning, growing and connecting to supports and services as needed.

Description

The Follow Along Program (FAP) helps parents and caregivers learn about how their children are learning and growing with fun activities and resources. Local Public Health staff are available to assist with a connection to educational and other community programs as needed to support overall health and well-being.

It helps parents:

• Learn and ask questions about how children learn and grow
• Receive resources and ideas for "what to teach" and "when to teach it"
• Get information about other helpful supports and services

How it works:

• Parents get a call or email from a local public health professional (usually a nurse) to learn about their child.
• Questionnaires are sent to help parents measure how their child is learning and growing at specific ages.
  • Results are shared with the parent to celebrate their child's progress, and if there are concerns, the professional and parent discuss options for support.

When a child reaches 36 months old (some programs provide support until 5 1/2 years or kindergarten entrance), parents then receive information about how to register for Early Childhood Screening or kindergarten.

Features

• Area Served by County
  • Aitkin County

• Specialization
  • Children and/or youth with disabilities
  • Disabilities

Eligibility

There is no documentation required for citizenship, immigration status or financial eligibility.

Parents or caregivers with children from birth - 36 months (three years) of age are eligible.

Some counties continue to provide the program for children 3 years - kindergarten entrance. Contact the Follow Along local public health agency to learn if this is an option.

Application Instructions

Two ways to enroll:

• Apply online
• Or speak to your local public health department contact

Fee

There is no fee for this service.