Children don’t come with manuals! We all have questions about our children’s development: When will she learn to roll over? When will he learn to talk? What can we do to help her get ready to read? How can I help them make friends? |
In Sparkler, you can find developmental screening (the Ages & Stages Questionnaires) and activities to do together to help your child learn and grow through the early years. Also available are tips for parents and caregivers about how you can support healthy growth and development. Learn more about the ASQ here. Through Sparkler, you’re also connected with expert care coordinators at 211 Child Development, a unit of the United Way of Connecticut, who can offer answers, support, and referrals — helping you to tap into a network of support available to families in Connecticut. |
How to Get in Touch
If you go into Sparkler’s “Connect” section, you can send a question or message to the team at 211 Child Development (or your local school or program that you’ve connected with). If you want to talk to a Care Coordinator at 211 Child Development, call 1-800-505-7000. Care coordinators are available Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm. |
Resources Available to Connecticut Families
CT Birth to Three
Birth to Three provides early intervention services for children from birth – 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities. The first step is an evaluation. To start the process, contact 211 Child Development at 1-800-505-7000 to complete the intake for Birth to Three. |
Help Me Grow
Through Help Me Grow, care coordinators at 211 Child Development can help families connect with a range of supports including:
If any of these would be useful to you, you can reach out via Sparkler, online, or by phone (1-800-505-7000) to learn more. |
Early Childhood Special Education
Care coordinators at 211 Child Development can help families connect with their local school districts to assess if children qualify for Early Childhood Special Education services, which are for children aged 3-5. You can reach out to 211 Child Development via Sparkler, online, or by phone (1-800-505-7000) to get started. |
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)
This is a program for CT children from birth through age 21 with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. CYSHCN families can access coordinated care through the DPH Medical Home Initiative. Services include family support, educational support, respite, coordination of medical care, and help with transition services. Reach out to 211 Child Development via Sparkler, online, or by phone (1-800-505-7000) for more information. |
Handout: How to Take the Next Step
After screening, parents or providers can take the next step and access additional evaluations or services if there are questions or concerns. Please learn more about the options available to CT families: