Help Me Grow
At a glance
Between 2023-2024, Help Me Grow work resulted in:
1,400+ provider referrals
950+ well-child visits scheduled
160+ pediatric sites engaged
Join us in helping children grow
Help Me Grow is a First 5 Alameda County initiative that collaborates with agencies, families and providers across the county to help ensure children ages 0-5 reach their optimal development.
Help Me Grow is a free-cost information and referral helpline for parents and providers. Call our toll-free phone line at (888) 510-1211 for information and support.
Our team of multilingual professionals provides:
- free and confidential support in early childhood development
- early identification of developmental concerns
- help for families who need access to resources
- supports to increase the capacity of early childhood providers
Program components
Support for parents and caregivers
Call our toll-free phone line at (888) 510-1211 for information and support. The line is staffed by multilingual Care Coordinators who answer questions, offer support, and provide referrals for children’s development, learning, and behavior. Our toll-free phone lineIt is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Care coordination. When there is a concern about a child’s development, learning, or behavior, Care Coordinators can help. Care Coordinators partner with families to problem-solve, find their best options for support, and get connected to services. Care Coordinators also keep providers up-to-date on referrals.
If a family wants more help, family navigators provide in-person care coordination. Family Navigators are parent professionals who offer home visits, interpretation assistance, and peer support. They also help families problem-solve, navigate systems, and enroll in services for their child and family.
The screening program is a great resource for families who want to track their child’s development. Families regularly receive the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) until their child’s 5th birthday. Staff share results, provide tips, and help address concerns. With permission, results are shared with the provider(s).
Support for providers
AlamedaKids.org is a website dedicated to supporting our county’s children ages birth to 5 years. Designed for families and providers, the site seamlessly integrates friendly and credible information, answers to common questions, and access to local resources.
Featured on AlamedaKids.org, the Alameda Kids Resource Directory is the first searchable directory of early childhood and family resources in the county. Users can find supports and services by type of service, age of children served, languages spoken, and more. Not sure your program is in our resource directory? Email resourcedirectory@first5alameda.org.
To stay informed and connected, attend our Connection Cafés. Cafés are opportunities for early childhood providers to network, learn about new resources, share information, and hear from speakers on various relevant topics. Cafés are offered every other month.
To stay up-to-date on local resources, join the listserve. It’s a fast and informative way of receiving information on early childhood programs, events, and trainings in Alameda County. Partners can also post to the listserve to promote programs and events. The listserve is distributed twice a month.
Related resources
Help Me Grow provider referral form
Please only use this form to refer families to Help Me Grow that have agreed to be contacted by Help Me Grow. Be advised that we are unable to share what happens with the referral with you unless it is at the parents’ request. If you are interested in receiving feedback on what happens with…
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Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) opening list
The EPSDT 0-5 Early Childhood Mental Health Openings List provides information about openings at agencies throughout the county for mental health services for children 0-5 that can be billed through EPSDT/Medi-Cal. Please note that many services are home-based. If a family would benefit from these services, please refer to one of the agencies accepting external…
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Alameda Kids Online Resource Directory
The Resource Directory connects families to information about local resources, activities, and services like child care, developmental screenings, parenting support, mental health programs, and more. Information is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Resource Directory
Family Events & Activities
Discover a world of fun and engagement with First 5 Family Events & Activities calendar! Whether you’re looking for exciting playdates, educational workshops, or community gatherings, our comprehensive list has something for everyone. Check back regularly for updates and new activities happening in your area.
Calendar of eventsI know that Help Me Grow will link my patients to services and supports in the community – saving me time and easing the burden on my practice.
Dr. Kelley Meade, Associate Director of Primary Care, Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland