Program Details
Aitkin County Health and Human Services
Follow Along Program
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
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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.
Location
204 1st St NW, Aitkin, MN, 56431
Area Served
Aitkin County
Phone Numbers
- Primary Contact for this program: 218-927-7274
- Main: 218-927-7200
- Toll Free: 800-328-3744
Websites
Other Services at this Location
- Apply for Waiver Programs Accepts applications for Medical Assistance/Medicaid waiver programs
- Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) Coordinators connect individuals to well-child care and screenings for eligible newborns, children and young adults
- Child Foster Care (CFC) Licensing The local county office that oversees licenses for child foster care. Foster care is a temporary safe family home for children who have been placed by a court order or a voluntary placement agreement.
- Child Support Services (CSS) The Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Support Division and county child support agencies work with both parents to establish and enforce child support court orders.
- County Programs for Families Apply for county programs that provide financial assistance and supportive resources to families
- County Programs for Food Support Apply for county programs that help pay for food
- County Programs for Income Assistance Apply for county programs that help pay for basic needs
- County Programs for People with Disabilities Apply for county programs that serve people with disabilities
- Family Home Visiting Expectant parents and parents or caregivers of young children can receive in-home support including education on pregnancy topics, parenting skills and connections to community resources.
- Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) A voluntary, supportive service that focuses on helping expecting and parenting families thrive.
- Public Health Clinic Public health departments offer screenings, health education and wellness services
- WIC - Supplemental Nutrition Program A nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps young families eat well and be healthy. Learn about nutrition during pregnancy and feeding your baby and young children; meet breastfeeding goals; and buy healthy food using your WIC card.
Last Update
10/30/2024