Launched in January 2018, Help Me Grow – Long Island is a FREE resource connecting families and providers to community resources and child development information in Nassau and Suffolk counties, with the mission of promoting optimal development of Long Island’s young children. Help Me Grow – Long Island isn’t an agency, but a partnership based on a national model for organizing existing agencies with the goal of more efficiently and effectively reaching and helping at-risk children. The HMG model calls for promotion of early developmental screening via a centralized access point, as well as outreach through community organizations and health providers. HMG-LI is coordinated by Docs for Tots, housed at the Child Care Council of Nassau, and utilizes the phone system and resource database from United Way of Long Island’s 2-1-1 system. Help Me Grow – Long Island is one of two Help Me Grow New York affiliates, along with Help Me Grow – Western New York.
Early identification of developmental delays and social emotional challenges along with prompt, supported referrals to appropriate services are key to school readiness and lifelong health. However, rates of appropriate developmental surveillance and screening are unacceptably low nationally–and particularly low in New York. Docs for Tots’ experience on Long Island has confirmed low rates of developmental surveillance and screening by primary care providers and other important access points to our youngest children. Additionally, our work has revealed significant challenges in effectively linking children at high-risk of developmental and emotional problems to existing services. Replication and implementation of evidence-based models is the most effective way to create a real difference in children’s lives, making Help Me Grow the perfect solution.
To use Help Me Grow – Long Island:
For all other inquiries about Help Me Grow Long Island, contact:
Melissa Passarelli
Coordinator, Help Me Grow – Long Island
(631) 662-3176
melissa@docsfortots.org
