How 211 Supports Families & Programs Through Sparkler CT
All families and providers using Sparkler can access the knowledge and connections of the care coordinators at 211 Child Development. Many families use Sparkler to link up with and get support from their schools and programs; they can also reach out to 211 to get additional answers and support. Likewise, programs can reach out to 211 to discuss the right approach for a particular family or help a family access early intervention or other services.
“The Sparkler app and the support I’ve received from 211 Child Development have made a big difference for me as a parent of a four year old with behavioral challenges,” said one New Haven mom about her recent experience.
This parent shared that her son was having a hard time managing his emotions and behaviors at his preschool.
She completed the ASQ:SE-2 using the Sparkler mobile app to learn more about her son’s social and emotional development.
“Completing the assessment on Sparkler was quick and easy,” she said.
A care coordinator from 211 Child Development, who got in touch with the mother, reviewed the screening results; talked through areas of concern; sent useful materials; encouraged the family to set up an evaluation for preschool special education; and directed them to community-based behavioral health service providers.
“I would never have gotten him the services he needed so quickly without this guidance from 211 Child Development,” the mother shared. “Everyone I spoke with at 211 Child Development was supportive, kind, and extremely helpful. My only regret is that I did not sign up for Sparkler or call 211 Child Development earlier.”
Expanding Access and Support
211 Child Development started as a central call center to broaden access for Connecticut families in 2002 — more than 20 years ago. Today — in our mobile, digitally enabled modern world — 211 is working closely with Sparkler to expand access using mobile technology.
All families in Connecticut who are signing up for Sparkler are agreeing to share information with 211 Child Development — a specialized unit of United Way of Connecticut that supports children’s healthy growth and development, starting from pregnancy. This enables Sparkler CT to have 211 as a partner in supporting both families who use Sparkler to link directly with 211 (using the statewide access code CT); it also enables 211 Care Coordinators to support programs working with families using Sparkler.
Support for Families AND Providers
Care Coordinators work with families and programs to understand families’ needs and concerns; connect families with statewide and local services; and follow up to ensure the families’ needs have been met. More specifically, 211 can link families to local community-based services and resources such as home visiting, parenting education, parent to parent supports, behavioral health supports, and advocacy. It can also help parents understand and track their child’s development the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, which are available through Sparkler (as well as online and on paper).
In Connecticut, 211 Child Development serves as the central access point for:
- Birth to Three (for families of infants and toddlers under 3 with significant developmental delays or disabilities);
- Early Childhood Special Education (for children 3-5 who might need special education services); and
- Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs (for children and youth with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions).
Any message from a Family sent via the two-way messaging functions in Sparkler will be seen by 211 Care Coordinators — so families can use Sparkler to reach out to 211 Child Development. Families or providers can also call the 211 Child Development direct line at 1-800-505-7000 to speak with a care coordinator. Business Hours are: Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 6 PM, except holidays. Messages can be left 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and calls will be returned promptly. Referrals can also be made to 211 Child Development by fax or online here.