Help Me Grow Solano Pioneers Child Development Support in Solano County

In a recent discussion with Carli Cardwell, Resource & Referral Program Supervisor at Solano Family and Children Services, the significance of the Help Me Grow Solano program emerged as a beacon for families in Solano County seeking developmental support for their children. They partner with many organizations, including CHMRC, across the county to offer child developmental screenings for free and subsequent referrals for families.

Connecting Families to Care

Carli outlined the vital role of Help Me Grow Solano, managed within the agency's Resource and Referral department. "We assists families in finding childcare providers and connecting them with community resources," Carli explains. "Help Me Grow serves as the central hub for these connections."

Empowering Through Screening

A cornerstone of Help Me Grow Solano is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), a tool empowering parents to monitor their child's development. "ASQ screens five areas of development," Carli notes, "and ASQ SE covers seven areas of behavior." It is a free tool parents can complete online or they can choose to make an appointment with our Developmental Screener for an in-person screening.

Early Intervention Matters

Carli stresses the importance of early intervention, citing statistics that reveal the prevalence of developmental disabilities among children. "Approximately 1 in every 6 children have a developmental disability," Carli shares, "but fewer than half are identified before school."

Taking Action

In the past year, Help Me Grow Solano processed over 500 screenings, leading to 200+ referrals for additional services based on results. "Our goal is to provide timely support to families," Carli affirms. "Whether it's connecting them with resources or making referrals for further evaluation, we're here to guide them."

Accessible Support

Carli emphasizes the program's accessibility, regardless of insurance status or income level. "Help Me Grow Solano is open to everyone," she confirms. "Privacy and confidentiality are paramount in our interactions with families."

Looking Ahead

As Help Me Grow Solano continues to serve the community, Carli reflects on its impact. "We're here to support families from the root up," she concludes. "Through early intervention and accessible resources, we're paving the way for children's growth and success."

Additional Resource: The Connected Parent

For further support and resources on Neurodiversity-Affirming care, parenting a neurodivergent child or child with a disability, consider exploring The Connected Parent. It is an online space where parents, children, and individuals can learn about and find the resources they need. They even offer a Neurodiversity-affirming filter within their site. This tool empowers families to search for facilities and practitioners who value neurodiversity and routinely provide neuro-affirming care. By taking advantage of this resource, families can seamlessly connect with healthcare providers who are committed to their values and prioritize the well-being of neurodivergent individuals.

For more information and resources, please visit the Help Me Grow Solano website.