The Monthly Roll - Tampa Bay December 2013 - v1i2 | Página 3

2-1-1 Services Introduces a New Program!
Help Me Grow: Child Development Infoline Care Coordination Services

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The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to bring forth
the Child Development Infoline (CDI) and resource data base. Throughout the past year we have been working
hard to make sure our new program will provide families an easy way to find the best resources to help their
children. CDI is a free service offering screening and linkages to the resources families need to help their
children develop, from birth to age five. Parents, family members, and friends who have questions about a
child’s development, behavior, or learning can call Help Me Grow’s CDI to speak with a care coordinator. The
care coordinator will conduct a developmental screening to identify areas in which a child’s development may
differ from what is considered normal development in children of the same age. If a concern is identified, the
child may qualify for special services. With proper consent, the care coordinator will direct the family to
appropriate community resource, provide them with actives to do with their child to help strengthen the areas
of concern, and complete a follow up two months later to identify areas of improvement.
All children, birth through age five, should be screened regularly prior to school entry. Developmental
screening is important because each child grows differently, but if a child misses a critical stage, they may have
a developmental delay. Early experiences a baby or toddler has are shaping the way his/her brain will learn
and react to life. Eighty percent of the brain is wired for learning by age three. The earlier a child receives help,
the more prepared they can be for school.
Every day our children interact with us and communicate their unique views of the world. Our most important
job is to listen and help them grow. If you’re concerned about your child’s development or behavior, or need
more information about community resources, call CDI at 813-425-GROW (4769).