Child Development Articles and Resources in Minnesota

Help Me Grow has many articles, podcasts and videos with information for parents and families about how children grow and develop. Topics include child development, encouraging healthy development and additional support services to help your child learn and grow. 

Understanding Communication and Language Development

• What is Communication and Language Development? PDF
• Ways to Encourage Communication and Language Development PDF
• Talking to your Baby Helps Communication Development
• Babbling and a Baby's Language Development  PDF
• Supporting Your Young Child’s Language Development: Expert Guidance from Help Me Grow [podcast]
• Parents' Role in Early Childhood Language Development [podcast]

Understanding Cognitive Development

• What is Cognitive Development? PDF
• Ways to Encourage Cognitive Development PDF
• How to Encourage a Child's Brain Development PDF
• Help Your Baby Learn and Grow with "Serve and Return" Interaction PDF

Understanding Motor or Physical Development

• What is Motor or Physical Development? PDF
• Ways to Encourage Motor or Physical Development PDF
• Baby Milestones – When Babies Sit Up, Roll Over and Crawl PDF
• "Container Babies" and the Importance of Infant Free Movement [podcast]

Understanding Social and Emotional Development

• What is Social and Emotional Development? PDF
• Ways to Encourage Social and Emotional Development PDF
• Ideas to Help Your Toddler Manage Anger and Frustration PDF
• Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood: Understanding Needs, Feelings and Steps toward Better Regulation and Social Skills [podcast]
• Practicing Social Skills: Activity Ideas for Babies
• Practicing Social Skills: Activity Ideas for Toddlers
• Practicing Social Skills: Activity Ideas for Preschoolers
• Nurturing Your Child's Empathy, Infancy to Adulthood [podcast]
• How to Help Babies and Toddlers with Separation Anxiety during and after COVID-19  PDF

Ideas for Play and Games to Encourage Development

• Playing Outdoors Helps Children Grow Healthy and Strong  PDF
• Why Unstructured Play Is Important to Child Development  PDF
• Tummy Time Helps Babies Develop Muscle Strength  PDF
• Tips for Reading Aloud to Your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler
• Let’s Get Moving: 15 Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Babies
• Let’s Get Moving: 14 Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Toddlers
• Let’s Get Moving: 14 Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Preschoolers

Intervention Services

• What is Infant and Toddler Intervention? PDF
• Does My Child Need Infant and Toddler Intervention?  PDF
• What is Preschool Special Education?  PDF
• Does my Child Need Preschool Special Education?  PDF
• Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Resources that Change a Child’s Life [podcast]
• Early Assessment and Early Intervention for Young Children: What One Mother’s Story Can Teach Us [podcast]
• Infant Hearing Loss Diagnosis and Treatment: Breakthroughs that Improve Longterm Development [podcast]
• Newborn Hearing Screening in Minnesota

Developmental Screenings

• Information About Early Childhood Screening  PDF
• Developmental Screening and Early Intervention: Guidance from Pediatrician Sylvia Sekhon [podcast]
• Minnesota's Follow Along Program
• Free "Early Childhood Screening: Ensure Your Child's Optimal Development" with Dr. Brenna Rudolph on Mom Enough [podcast] 

Referring a Child

• What Happens When you Refer a Child through Help Me Grow?  PDF
• Referral Myths vs. Facts
• Developmental Delays in Young Children  PDF

Parenting Support and Resources

• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in Minnesota  PDF
• What to Expect at a Well-Child Visit
• Giving your Children the Benefits of Nature Experience: A Conversation with the Director of the University of Minnesota's Lab School [podcast]
• Everyday routines help children grow
• The Importance of Sharing Your Family's Culture with your Child Care Provider  PDF
• Choosing the Best Childcare for Your Child: What to Look for, How to Seek Financial Assistance and Where to Find Answers to Your Questions [podcast]
• Screen Time in Early Childhood: Concerns, Opportunities and Realistic Guidelines [podcast]
• Race & Young Children: Promoting Positive Racial Identity, Equity & Respect [podcast]
• Bridging Cultural Traditions with Professional Guidance on Early Childhood Development [podcast]
• American Indian Children and Families: Beyond Lore and Stereotypes [podcast]
• Every Child's Right to Free Early Childhood Screening & Intervention as Needed [podcast]
• Developmental Milestones: Tracking Your Child's Learning & Growth [podcast]
• Parent Involvement In School: Benefits for Children and Families [podcast]
• Trauma & Parenting: Indigenous Traditions [podcast]