"Follow Along"

Let the Follow Along Program help you know if your child is playing, talking, growing, moving, and acting like other children the same age.

Babies and young children grow and learn at their own rate. Some children, though, need special help to grow up healthy and learn skills such as sitting, walking, or talking. The Follow Along Program can help you know if this is true for your child.

What is the Follow Along Program?

• A good way to learn about your child's health and development.
• A fun way to get ideas about "what to teach" and "at what age" to teach it.
• A simple way to ask questions about how your child is hearing, moving, seeing, playing, talking, learning, growing, and acting.
• An easy way to find out about other services you may want for your child.

How Does the Follow Along Program Work?

• A professional, most often a nurse, may visit with you to tell you more about the program and find out more about your child. And you will be asked to sign a permission form.
• Questionnaires are sent to you when your child reaches different ages such as 4,8,12,16,20,24,30,and 36 months old. Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving, and acting.
• Sheets with fun activities for you to do with your child or other age appropriate items are also sent to you.
• The results of the questionnaires will be shared with you. If there are any concerns, 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 help services.
• After your child is 36 months old, you will get information about the next step, Early Childhood Screening.

Is There a Cost?

No. There is no cost to you.

How Do I Sign Up?

For the referral of a child contact; your local public health agency, the Minnesota Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (MCYSHN) Information and Assistance Line (1-800-728-5420 or 651-201-3650) or search the Directory of Resources for Children and Families in Minnesota for the local Follow-Along contact in your area. For information on the Follow Along Program contact the Follow Along Program Coordinator at 651-201-3641.

The Follow Along Program may make the difference for your child.

Aitkin County Family Planning Program 204 1st Street NW, Aitkin, MN  56431 Hours: Monday - Friday     8:00 am - 4:30 pm Call 218-927-7274 or 800-328-3744