Child Development

Child development is the process children take as they grow from infancy into adulthood. As children grow, they develop the skills and behaviors they need to learn about the world around them. Children show their interest in learning by being curious, persistent, and creative while they play and interact with others. Simply complete one of the quick and easy developmental check-in questionnaires or join a playgroup to connect with other families. Below are ways to get involved.

Developmental Questionnaire

Are you curious about what your child “could” be doing? Do you wonder about their behavior towards themselves and others? Would you like fun activities to do with your child to encourage their learning? Then Help Me Grow St. Joe can help! Simply complete one of the quick and easy developmental check-in questionnaires listed below.

Complete the ASQ SE to learn more about your child’s social (interactions with others) and emotional (ability to demonstrate their feeling) skills.

Early On

Early On emphasizes early identification and early referral to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities, to minimize their potential for delay, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during a child’s first three years of life.

Have concerns about your child? Complete the ASQ screening (above) and a care coordinator will reach out!

Playgroups

Playgroups are a type of group that gives children the opportunity to develop social skills and learn through creative play and problem solving. There are several locations throughout the county to choose from at different days and times. All are welcome, attend one or all! FREE.

 

Early Literacy

You are their most important teacher!  Early reading is a simple way to grow your child’s brain. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book gifting program that mails an age-appropriate, high-quality book each month directly to a child’s home. Every child enrolled in the program, regardless of their family’s income, receives a new book from birth until their fifth birthday. Created by Dolly Parton to inspire a love of reading, the Imagination Library has delivered millions of books to children worldwide, and now, it’s available to families right here in our local communities.

Parenting Classes

Parenting classes are offered on a rotating basis. Online or In-person. Each session participants will discuss the 7 Skills of Conscious Discipline: Composure, Assertiveness, Encouragement, Choices, Empathy, Positive Intent, Consequences. Courses will equip educators and parents with a foundational understanding of the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model and how to create safe, connected and problem-solving environments. Follow us on Facebook for the current class schedule.

MSU Extension offers parenting classes on many topics, online and FREE.