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Help Me Grow Early Intervention

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for for the Help Me Grow Program in Ohio.

What is Help Me Grow – Early Intervention?

Help Me Grow (HMG) is a free program for families of children from birth to age 3 who may have developmental delays or disabilities. It includes:

  • Home Visiting during pregnancy and early years

  • Early Intervention Services for children who need extra help

  • Development screenings to track your child’s growth

  • Support in familiar places like home or childcare settings

Experts agree that starting help early is best—it’s kinder for your child and saves money later .

How do I apply for Early Intervention?

You can start anytime if you’re concerned about your child’s development:

  • Online referral via Ohio’s Central Intake & Referral

  • Call the statewide Helpline: 1-800-755-4769

  • Fax/email a referral signed by a healthcare provider or you 

Anyone can refer a child—parents, doctors, childcare providers, or nurses. After the referral, a local provider will contact you to start the eligibility process .

How long does it take to receive services?

Once your referral is received:

  • A service coordinator from Help Me Grow will contact your family

  • You’ll schedule a developmental evaluation

  • If eligible, you’ll work with a team to build an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)

  • Services like speech, nutrition, or physical therapy start right away.

Many families receive up to 36 home visits over about 1.6 years.

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Make a referral by phone, online, or form submission

  2. Connect with a local provider and schedule evaluation

  3. Get evaluated to decide if your child is eligible

  4. Develop your IFSP with your provider and service coordinator

  5. Start services—these may include speech, OT, PT, nursing, nutrition, family training, social work, vision, and more

  6. Ongoing visits are scheduled based on your child’s needs and family goals

What documentation is required?

Referral & Eligibility

  • Completed referral form (signed by a parent or professional)

Assessment Information

  • Any medical or special condition documentation (like hearing loss, blood lead levels, neonatal issues).

Family Information

  • Your contact info and child’s info to set up the IFSP

Common FAQs

1. Who can refer a child?
Anyone—families, doctors, or childcare providers can make a referral .

2. Is there a cost?
No—it’s free and completely voluntary warrencountyohio.gov.

3. What if I don’t know for sure?
Help Me Grow gives screenings and evaluations at no cost to help you understand your child’s development.

4. What if my child isn’t 3 yet?
Services are available until a child turns three. After that, support can transition into preschool special needs measurementresourcesco.com+15ohioearlyintervention.org+15helpmegrowmn.org+15.

5. What services are included?
Early services include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, family training, vision services, and more hmgbf.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14auglaizedd.org+14.

Who do I contact for help?

Help Me Grow Central Intake & Referral

  • Phone: 1‑800‑755‑4769

  • Online Referral: Accessible at Ohio’s Help Me Grow site

  • Email Fax Referrals: Follow details on central intake pages

  • Local Providers or County First Councils

Contact via local county, school, or medical provider records—use IFSP connections.