Follow Along Program

Follow Along Program FAP Logo

Caregivers often have questions about whether their child is on target with their development, behavior, and learning. The Crow Wing County Follow Along Program is a free screening program that can answer caregivers' questions, help them learn about age-appropriate development, and assist with referrals when there are concerns. Follow Along is a mail-in or online screening program that uses the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQs) to screen for and teach about children's growth and development. The program helps caregivers discover if their child is hearing, moving, seeing, playing, talking, learning, and acting as expected as their child grows.

Who is eligible?

All families in Crow Wing County who have children newborn to 5.5 years old

How does the program work?

  • Ages and Stages Questionnaires are mailed or emailed to families at different intervals beginning at 2 months of age, and then at 6, 12, 18, 24, and every 6 months until age 66 months or until the child enters the school system. Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving, and acting.
  • Social-emotional questionnaires are mailed at 6, 12, 18, 24, and every 6 months until the child reaches age 66 months or enters the school system.
  • When caregivers complete and return the questionnaires, information with fun activities for them to do with their child and other age-appropriate items are also sent.
  • The questionnaire results will be shared with caregivers. If there are any concerns, the Follow Along Program Coordinator will contact caregivers to clarify answers and help with further services if needed.
  • At 36 months, parents will receive information about the next step: Early Childhood Screening.

How do I sign up?

A child may be enrolled in the Follow Along Program during a home visit with a Public Health Nurse, or caregivers can also enroll their child online at the Minnesota Department of Health website.

1. Gather your information

Before we can help, we will need to know:

  • Names of the parents or caregivers
  • The name and birth date of each child you would like to enroll
  • What is the best way to contact you?

2. Enroll

Online:  Enroll here.

By phone: Call 218-855-3658 and ask to speak with the Public Health Nurse about the Follow Along Program.

Email: Amber.Stroschein@crowwing.gov

Find out more about how young children grow and learn, and what caregivers can do to support their child's learning at the Help Me Grow website. Free help is available for eligible children.