Behind the Curtain of Help Me Grow: Early Identification and Connections to Helping All Children

Understanding how children grow and develop from birth through age five helps early childhood providers create responsive environments where every child can succeed. In this interactive session, participants will explore development, including developmental milestones, early indicators that a child may benefit from additional support, and strategies for supporting development through everyday routines and play.

Because child care providers and early educators see children consistently across the day and over time, they are often among the first to notice changes in development or emerging concerns. Research shows that early identification and intervention before kindergarten can significantly impact a child’s development and long-term learning outcomes.

Providers will gain insight into the Early Childhood Screening process and how recognizing concerns early—paired with strong partnerships with families—can connect children to services and supports when they are most effective. Participants will also learn how local early childhood specialists partner with providers to support children’s development and inclusion in early learning settings.

Topics will include:

• Developmentally appropriate expectations for children ages 0–5
• Recognizing early signs of developmental delays
• Understanding Early Childhood Screening and referral pathways for families
• Collaboration with early childhood specialists, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy services
• Connecting families to local resources and community supports
• This session supports Minnesota licensing training requirements and Develop/Parent Aware competencies related to child development, developmental screening, inclusion, and family partnerships. Participants will leave with practical strategies and stronger connections to local resources that support young children and their families.