We believe all children should be able to grow, develop and thrive.
Help Me Grow Marin is a collaboration of individuals and community organizations working to identify, build an organized system of resources and services, and thinking creatively about maximizing opportunities to support the children and families
in Marin County.
We are part of the Help Me Grow California network, as well
as the national network, working towards continued quality improvement in early childhood systems of care.
Four core functions characterize the Help Me Grow model:
Centralized Access Point: The Centralized Access Point (call center) assists families and providers in connecting children to appropriate community-based programs and services.
Family & Community Outreach: Family & Community Outreach promotes Help Me Grow, facilitates provider networking and promotes children’s healthy development.
Child Health Care Provider Outreach: Child Health Care Provider Outreach promotes universal screening and supports early detection and intervention efforts by medical providers.
System Change: To ensure continuous quality improvement, System Change supports evaluation, helps identify systemic gaps, bolsters advocacy efforts, and guides quality improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: What services does Help Me Grow Marin County offer?
A: The Help Me Grow Marin call line offers free information and resources for families and providers, developmental screenings, behavioral health screenings and referrals to community-based services as appropriate. Help Me Grow Marin offers training and support to Health Care and Community based organizations working with young children and case coordination as needed.
Q: Who does Help Me Grow Marin serve?
A: Help Me Grow Marin serves all families with children prenatal through twelve years of age in Marin County, and the providers who serve them.
Q: What languages does your team speak?
A: We have team members who speak English and Spanish. For all other languages, we will provide translation as needed at no cost to the client/family.
Q: Is there a fee for your service?
A: For families and children, services are free.
Q: How soon do I get information after I call?
A: Many times, you will get information during the initial phone call. If further research is needed, we will follow up with you within one week.
Q: What are your business hours?
A: Our call center is open Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm. Messages can be left 24 hours a day seven days a week and will be returned within one business day.
Q: What screening tools does Help Me Grow Marin use?
A: Help Me Grow uses the Ages & Stages Questionnaires primarily. The ASQ-3 and ASQ: SE-2 are designed for use by parents, early educators and health care professionals. They rely on parents as experts, are easy to use, family-friendly and create the snapshot needed to celebrate milestones and capture delays. They are available in several languages.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened at least three times before their third birthday. Screenings should occur at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.
Q: Is your service confidential?
A: Yes, we follow all HIPAA and FERPA guidelines for protecting confidential child and family information. Signed consent from parents must be provided before we can make a referral to physical health, behavioral or mental health, educational and developmental service agencies.
