As new research shows more babies and toddlers may be experiencing developmental delays, it can be a daunting time for new parents anxious about their little ones’ progress.

Strikingly, over the past two years, assessments revealed lower than average scores on tests of early learning that include language and motor skills such as standing and walking. Though researchers believe this is a result of growing up in a pandemic, it’s important that parents know they’re not alone in navigating these uncharted waters.

If your child is struggling, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding the help you need — and in Alachua County, you don’t.

With Help Me Grow Alachua, a program provided by Children’s Home Society of Florida and fully funded by Children’s Trust of Alachua County, local families have access to free assessments that can identify developmental delays and disabilities. But we also take our support a step further by offering families tools and resources to help their child thrive — all at no cost to the families.

Families may qualify for Help Me Grow Alachua if they:

• live in Alachua County

• have children ages 0-8

• have questions or concerns about your child’s developmental, behavioral or educational growth and progress.

We’ve all heard it before: “Kids don’t come with an instruction manual.” But what if they did? What if the instruction manual had an empathetic ear and a network of other strong supports standing by? That’s what we bring. We’re here to help.

If you know a parent, caregiver or expectant mom, who can benefit from Help Me Grow Alachua, please encourage them contact Children’s Home Society of Florida at (352) 214-9199 or complete a referral online at https://bit.ly/helpmegrowalachua.

We know early intervention is key to helping children achieve the highest level of success. And that’s what we all want for our community’s children.

Together, we can strengthen our community from the very earliest ages and stages.

Tiffany Martin is regional executive director of Children’s Home Society of Florida, serving kids and families in Gainesville and the surrounding areas. She lives in Tallahassee. 

By: Tiffany Martin

Originally posted by The Gainesville Sun.