UPDATE: 42 screenings completed!
Help Me Grow Brevard will present its third “Books, Balls & Blocks” on Saturday, Dec. 8, to offer free child development screenings, educational prizes and a multi-station play area where children can show off their skills.
“BB&B” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Melbourne Square mall.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/helpmegrowbrevard.
As the screening event name says, there’ll be books, balls, blocks and other toys in the restricted play area so children stay busy and safe while parents complete online Ages & Stages Questionnaires.
Families who complete screenings will receive free books and gifts, as well as chances to win bigger prizes. (The first 25 parents to complete screenings will receive a $10 Publix gift card.)
The Help Me Grow Brevard coalition of nonprofit and government agencies led by 2-1-1 Brevard has been working for more than two years to increase the number of children – primarily infants to 5-year-olds – who get routine developmental screenings.
2-1-1 Brevard is an affiliate of Help Me Grow Florida, a state-funded program designed to promote healthy development for every child.
After the event, the screening results will be scored and a Help Me Grow Brevard Care Coordinator will contact the families. The parents’ answers will show a child’s strengths as well as highlight any areas in which the child may need more practice.
The Help Me Grow Coordinator will continue to work with families who need support and check in later with families who don’t.
Research shows that 1 out of 6 children experiences developmental delays, learning disorders or behavioral and social-emotional problems. Early detection leads to early intervention and better long-term results.
The Help Me Grow Brevard partnership includes 2-1-1 Brevard, Early Learning Coalition of Brevard, Healthy Start Coalition, Space Coast Early Steps, Brevard Health Alliance, Florida Department of Health in Brevard, Brevard Public Schools, Space Coast Health Foundation, Brevard Homeless Coalition and United Way of Brevard.
Help Me Grow Florida is sponsored by the Children’s Forum and the State of Florida Office of Early Learning.
