Help Me Grow (HMG)
A child’s early years are vital.
Many parents wonder if their child’s growth is on track for their age. With Help Me Grow at Delaware 2-1-1, parents don’t have to wonder. Help is a call away!
What Is Help Me Grow?
The HMG system is a framework that brings together child-serving partners to improve early childhood services. Help Me Grow 2-1-1 is a one-stop-shop that offers programs, services, and helpful information for parents-to-be and families. Looking for housing? Looking for diapers? Need heat in the winter? Concerns about your child’s early development? That’s when you call Help Me Grow 2-1-1.
Help Me Grow (HMG) Delaware is part of a larger coalition of over 30 states that are related to the Help Me Grow National Center to promote early childhood systems to improve and provide innovative services for families with young children nationwide. Delaware’s program begins prenatally (before birth) and continues through age eight (8).
HMG focuses on supporting young children’s healthy development by connecting families with community resources. It is not a stand-alone program but rather a system model that utilizes and builds on existing resources to develop and enhance a comprehensive approach to early childhood systems -building in any given community. Through comprehensive physician and community outreach and centralized information and referral centers, families are linked with needed programs and services.
What Can Help Me Grow Do?
A child’s early years are vital. They shape their entire future. Help Me Grow at Delaware 2-1-1 helps parents provide a safe and stable environment for that growth. Whether it is support, pregnancy help, or finding essentials like food or housing, Help Me Grow has the tools for parents to succeed. Just dial 2-1-1 on any phone.
The 2-1-1 Help Me Grow helpline is all about support. There is much to know when it comes to raising a child: When should they be able to roll over onto their back, how much breastmilk should a baby drink, or where can a special needs child get help? If parents are in doubt, dialing 2-1-1 can put their minds at ease. This confidential and free service will put callers in touch with an experienced specialist who will listen and link you to further assistance.
Help Me Grow’s Four Key Areas of Activity
Centralized Access Point (CAP) through HMG/2-1-1 ensures everyone has help when they need it, with a simple number to dial.
Family and Community Engagement means our specialists are out in the community to understand the people they serve.
Health Provider Outreach helps to inform health care providers about developmental screening as well as the helpline, so that caregivers and families will be better served.
Data collection and analysis to improve the system and create change to ensure health equity for all.
Examples of How Help Me Grow Can Help
- Tips on helping a child crawl
- Benefits of unstructured play
- Your baby’s kicks count
- Healthy lunch tips for kids
10-Years of Outcomes & Impact
- 29,719 Total number of calls and 30,797 children served through HMG’s centralized access point @ 211
- 112,732 Total number of the top requested needs by a parent/caregiver; these include: Home Visiting, Basic Needs (clothing, car seats, furniture), Diapers, WIC, and childcare.
- 22,015 Total number screenings completed through community outreach activities
- 12,915 Total number of referrals to targeted service providers by HMG @ 211
- 15,843 Total number of parent/caregiver reported Behavioral and Developmental concerns to HMG @ 211
There are so many more ways the program can help!
Hours of Operation
- 2-1-1: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
- NOTE: If you have an EMERGENCY, dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency response number.
In addition to calling the Delaware 2-1-1 Help Me Grow helpline, you can text your ZIP code to 898211 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Help Me Grow and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 211, Monday through Friday. A Child Development Specialist will respond to inquiries via text message within 15 minutes.
Providers & Community Partners
More information and materials for clinicians and professionals dedicated to helping children grow up healthy.
Help Me Grow for Providers & Community PartnersRelated Blog Posts
View more posts in Help Me Grow
Additional Resources
Below are resources and outside services that can help.
Health Care Provider Cheat Sheet
An at-a-glance algorithm that helps providers determine when to refer a parent or guardian to specific child development services and what services are appropriate for a given situation.
Delaware 2-1-1
Delaware 2-1-1 connects people in Delaware to resources throughout the state. The service is free, confidential, available in multiple languages, and available as a live chat, text, or by calling 2-1-1.
United Way
United Way is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in our state. Emergency assistance is available and services available include helping children read better, preparing young people for career success, and putting adults on the path to financial stability.
Updated CDW & Childfind Comparison
Help in understanding similarities and differences between Part C Early Intervention Services and Part B Preschool Special Education Services. Includes information on evaluation, eligibility, family support, cost, and more.
Delaware's American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
This is a link to Delaware’s American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) page. Any first time user will have to register but it targets Physicians so they could take webinars and learn about any updated early childhood efforts happening in the state.
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