How to Refer a Child for Early Intervention Services

When you complete a referral through Help Me Grow, you provide information used to connect the family with their local school district. You can make a referral online or by telephone.

Referring a Child is Easy

• Anyone can refer a child, including a parent, family member, friend or a professional who works with the child.
• There are three ways to refer in Minnesota: online, by phone or through the local school district.
  • Refer online.
  • Refer by phone at 1-866-693-GROW (4769).
  • Refer directly to the  school by calling the local school district where the child lives.
  • To search for early intervention services in different states, visit the IDEA website.
• If you are not the parent or guardian, you may make a referral without parent consent for children ages birth to five. However, we encourage you to speak with the family about this referral. The local Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education program will contact the family for their permission to proceed with the referral. Parents may accept or decline the referral.
• The parent’s contact information must be provided at the time of referral. This helps connect the child with the correct local school district.

Referral Information Will Be Used To:

• Identify the Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education program in Minnesota.
• Arrange for local district staff members to contact the parent to discuss concerns and next steps.
• Evaluate the Help Me Grow referral process.