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You are your child’s first teacher – and it’s a big job! Minnesota’s Follow Along Program can help you as you support and track your child’s development through age 3. And it’s FREE.
With the Follow Along Program, you can learn how your child is moving, talking, seeing, hearing, playing, learning, acting and growing. You will get fun ideas in the mail about what to teach and at what age to teach it. You’ll also receive age-appropriate activity sheets and information regarding child growth and development.
How the Follow Along Program works
After you enroll, an early childhood professional may visit with you to tell you more about the program and find out more about your child. This professional is often a nurse, and may meet with you in person or over the phone.
Your local public health agency will mail you an Ages & Stages Questionnaire every four months, until your child reaches 3 years (36 months) of age. Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving and acting.
You can complete the questionnaires at home, and return by mail to the Follow Along Program. Early childhood professionals will review the questionnaire, and then you will receive the results in the mail along with fun activities to try with your child.
If there are any concerns about your child’s development, a nurse or other professional from the program will get in touch with you. Together, you can talk about choices for further evaluation or early intervention services for your child. All information about your child and family will be kept private.
When your child is 36 months old, you will get information about the next step, Early Childhood Screening.
Who is eligible for the Follow Along Program?
All Minnesota families with children ages birth to 3 years are eligible to participate.
Is there a cost?
The Follow Along Program is FREE! There is no cost to you.
How do I enroll in the Follow Along Program?
Enroll online at the Minnesota Department of Health website or call your local public health agency to enroll.
There are a few counties where the Follow Along Program is not available at this time. Visit the Department of Health link above to see if your county has a program and get their contact information.
What if I have questions about Follow Along Program?
For additional program information, contact the state program coordinator at health.cyshn@state.mn.us or toll free 1-800-728-5420.
What if I have concerns about a child's development right now?
If you have concerns about a child's development, discuss them with your child's health care provider and make a referral to Minnesota's early intervention system through Help Me Grow. You can refer a child online at www.helpmegrowmn.org, or by calling 1-866-693-4769. Accessing intervention services as early as possible will help ensure the best outcomes for your child.
This information was adapted from Follow Along Program - Minnesota Department of Health (state.mn.us).
If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, don't hesitate to refer a child.
The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.
Services are free!
Regardless of:
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