Follow Along Program

Is your child developing on track? Babies and young children grow and learn at their own rate. However, some children may need help to grow up healthy and learn skills. Minnesota's Follow Along Program can help you track your child's development and let you know if they are growing and behaving like other children the same age.

Enroll online

What is the Follow Along Program?

• A good way to learn about your child's health and development.
• A fun way to get ideas about "what to teach" and "at what age" to teach it.
• A simple way to ask questions about how your child is hearing, moving, seeing, playing, talking, learning, growing, and acting.
• An easy way to find out about other services you may want for your child.

How Does the Follow Along Program Work?

• An early childhood professional, most often a nurse, may visit with you (in person or over the phone) to tell you more about the program and find out more about your child.
• Questionnaires are sent to you when your child reaches different ages from 1 to 36 months old (and sometimes until 5 1/2 years old). Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving, and behaving. (Click here to see an example questionnaire.)
• Handouts with fun activities for you to do with your child are also sent to you.
• The results of the questionnaires will be shared with you. If there are any concerns, a nurse or other professional from the program will get in touch with you. Together, you can talk about choices for further evaluation or early help services.
• When your child is 36 months old, you will get information about the next step, Early Childhood Screening.

Is There a Cost?

It's FREE! There is no cost to you.

How Do I Sign Up?

Enroll online

OR contact your local public health department to sign your child / family up for the Follow Along Program (select your county on the map below or click here to see the entire list of contacts).

What if I have concerns about a child's development right now?

If you have concerns about a child's development, discuss them with your child's health care provider and make a referral to Minnesota's early intervention system, Help Me Grow. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best outcomes for your child.

For additional program information, contact the state program coordinator at health.cyshn@state.mn.us or toll free 1-800-728-5420.

For local FAP Coordinators only

Materials Order Form for Local FAP Coordinators Only