Hi, I’m Mary, and if you’ve been around my blog for a bit, you know my heart is all about connecting families with the resources that truly make a difference for our little ones. My husband and I have been blessed with three beautiful girls, and our journey through parenting has taught us more than we ever expected…especially when it comes to Early Intervention.
From the very beginning with our oldest, my mommy “red flag” went up. She wasn’t hitting those milestones the way our niece (just 13 days younger) was. While everyone around us said, “Don’t worry, every child develops at their own pace,” my gut kept telling me something wasn’t quite right. As a former educator, I knew how important it was to listen to that instinct and act quickly. That decision led us to Help Me Grow Early Intervention here in Ohio, and it changed everything for our family.
So, what exactly is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention (often called Part C of IDEA) is a free or low-cost, family-centered program for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or are at risk. In Ohio, it’s through Help Me Grow, and it’s available no matter where you live in the state or what your family’s income is. The focus isn’t on “fixing” your child; it’s on supporting you, the parent, so you can help your little one learn and grow right in the middle of everyday life: during playtime, mealtime, bath time, and all those ordinary moments that happen at home or daycare.
Services are tailored to your child’s unique needs. It might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental support, or even just coaching for you as the caregiver. The best part? Everything happens in your natural environment, because that’s where kids learn best.
Why is Early Intervention so important?
Here’s what I’ve seen firsthand and what the research backs up: starting early supports and gives your child the very best chance to reach their full potential. It can literally change the trajectory of their development.
- It builds skills during the most rapid growth window. The brain develops faster in these first three years than at any other time in life. Early help strengthens those pathways before bigger gaps form.
- It supports the whole family. You’re not just getting therapy for your child—you’re gaining confidence, strategies, and a team that walks alongside you. We felt so loved and understood; it made the unknowns feel so much less scary.
- It reduces the need for more intensive services later. Studies show that kids who receive Early Intervention are more likely to succeed in school, need fewer special education supports down the road, and it’s actually more cost-effective for families and communities.
- There is literally no downside to checking it out. Even if your child ends up not qualifying, you’ll have peace of mind and some great developmental tips.
In our case, our girls had hypotonia (low muscle tone), which affected their gross motor skills. Therapies came right to our living room. We joined playgroups where our daughters got to practice new skills with other kids while we connected with other parents who “got it.” We watched our girls flourish…not overnight, but steadily…and we grew right along with them. Today, I’m proud to work as a child-find specialist for Help Me Grow, helping other families find that same support.
The five key areas Early Intervention can help:
Development happens in these main areas, and a delay in one (or more) is worth looking into:
- Cognitive (thinking & learning) – Curiosity, problem-solving, exploring the world.
- Social-emotional – Relating to others, expressing feelings, building relationships.
- Speech & language – Babbling, words, understanding what’s said.
- Fine & gross motor – Grasping, sitting, crawling, walking, running.
- Adaptive/self-help – Eating, dressing, daily routines.
If your child is behind in any of these (or if your heart is just whispering that something feels off), please don’t wait. A developmental delay isn’t about being “a little behind”—it’s about being consistently behind in skills most kids their age are mastering.
What to do if you’re concerned:
Making a referral is simple and quick. You don’t need a doctor’s note (though your pediatrician is a great first stop). Just go to helpmegrow.org, fill out the short form, and a coordinator will reach out…often within 48 hours, just like they did for us.
Whether it’s for your own child, a grandchild, a friend’s little one, or a family you know…act now. Early support isn’t just helpful; it can be life-changing.
If our story resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below, send me a message through the contact page, or reach out if you’d like me to come speak to your staff, daycare, or parent group about Early Intervention. I’m here to help however I can.
You’ve got this, mama (or daddy or caregiver). Trust your gut, and know that help is just a referral away. Our girls are living proof that early support works…and your family can experience that same blessing too.
With love and encouragement,
Mary Bockert
More Than a Mommy
Child-Find Specialist, Help Me Grow Early Intervention
0 Comments