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Program Details
Dakota County Community Services Division
Follow Along Program
Program that helps to make sure children are learning and growing appropriately for their age
Description
The Follow Along Program (FAP) helps parents and caregivers measure how their children are developing and decide if educational and other community programs may be needed to help them keep pace with other kids their age.
It helps parents:
- Learn and ask questions about child health and development
- Figure out "what to teach" and "at what age" to teach it
- Get information about other helpful services
How it works:
- Parents get a call or visit from an early childhood professional (usually a nurse) from a local public health department to learn about their child.
- Questionnaires are sent to help parents measure how their child is developing at specific ages.
- Results are shared with the parent, and if there are concerns, the professional contacts the parent about what they can do.
When a child reaches 36 months old, parents then receive information about how to register for Early Childhood Screening to continue to support their child's readiness for kindergarten.
Features
-
Specialization
- Children and/or youth with disabilities
Eligibility
Parents/caregivers with children birth to 36 months (three years). Some counties continue to provide the program for children 3 through Kindergarten entrance. Contact the 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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dakota County details
Fee
There is no fee for this service.
Location
1 Mendota Rd W, West St. Paul, MN, 55118
Area Served
Dakota County
Phone Numbers
- Primary Contact for this program: 952-891-7445
- Main: 651-554-6600
- Alternate: 651-554-5611
- Public Health: 651-554-6100
Business Hours
8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
Websites
Other Services at this Location
- Adult Mental Health Crisis Response Services Immediate help for people having urgent problems with depression, panic, anxiety, delusions, or other mood or behavior disorders
- Apply for Waiver Programs Accepts applications for Medical Assistance/Medicaid waiver programs
- Children's Mental Health Crisis Response Services (CRS) Professional help 24/7 for children or youth experiencing a mental health crisis to help the child be safe, stay in their home, and get connected to support
- 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 get in-home support with pregnancy topics, parenting skills and connections to community resources.
- Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) Short-term help for low-income families, youth and single adults who are homeless or are about to become homeless
- Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) Medical Assistance benefit to help people with disabilities and seniors find and keep housing
- Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) A voluntary, early intervention service that focuses on helping expecting and parenting at-risk families thrive.
- Public Health Clinic Public health departments offer screenings, health education and wellness services
- Teen Parent Assistance Helps prepare young parents with classes or other educational programs and support
Last Update
3/21/2023