Your child deserves the best start.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, learning, or behavior, it's important to act early. Getting support is one of the best things you can do. Help Me Grow can help.

Developmental screenings and early intervention
help your child grow up healthy.

Regular developmental screenings can help keep track of your child’s developmental milestones and give you information and ideas to support your child as they grow.

A new law* says doctors have to screen children enrolled in Medi-Cal for developmental delays at regular intervals, or whenever there is a concern. Screenings help doctors and families know if the child’s development is typical. Screenings also show if the child needs extra support, such as speech therapy to help with communication or occupational therapy to help build motor skills.

You know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for their age, or if you are concerned about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk to your child’s doctor. Tell the doctor about your concerns.

Catching developmental delays early can make a big difference for children and families. Research shows that when children with delays receive services before age 5, they are more likely to be ready for school. And they are less likely to need services later in life. Don’t just “wait and see.” The earlier concerns are addressed, the better! Help Me Grow can help if you need it—learn how Help Me Grow works.

How Help Me Grow Works

What are risk factors for developmental delays?

Every child develops at his or her own pace. However, the following risk factors^† may contribute to developmental delays:

Prematurity of less than 32 weeks or low birth weight
Prenatal or other exposure to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
Poor nutrition or difficulty eating
Environmental factors, such as neglect and abuse
Children with an orthopedic, vision, or hearing impairment
Exposure to lead-based paint

Get a developmental screening.

Contact your child's pediatrician to ask when your child is scheduled to have a developmental screening.

Or, call Help Me Grow Inland Empire at 1-888-464-4316 for a free screening.

*California Legislative Information. “AB-11 Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program: Screening Services.”
^†Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Developmental Disabilities.”