Where can I find help?

Updated September 5th, 2007

If you have concerns about your child’s social or emotional development, you don’t have to feel like you’re alone. The page lists some resources that might be able to help you answer any questions you have.

Who can I contact?

If you have a concern about your child, there are many options for you:

  • If your child is 3 years or older and has not yet started kindergarten, make an appointment for early childhood screening. This can be done by your local school district. All children need to be screened prior to entering kindergarten, and it is a good way to determine if there are developmental concerns in any area.
  • Share your concerns with your pediatrician or family doctor.
  • If you live in Ramsey County and your child is birth to 5 (prior to entering kindergarten), call the Early Childhood Information & Referral Office at (651) 604-3700.

If the first person you talk to isn’t helpful, don’t give up! Oftentimes, parents know that something is going on but don’t feel that they have a way to communicate their concerns. Keep talking to people until you feel like your concerns have been heard, understood, and acted on!

What will I need to share?

When discussing your child with a professional, it may be helpful to share specific examples of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

For example, have there been any significant changes in his or her behavior? Are there certain places or situations in which he or she acts differently? If your child has challenging behaviors, with what sort of intensity, duration, and frequency do they occur?

Remember: you know your child best! You are the expert, so it’s helpful to share as much information as you can.

What do mental health programs look like?

Enrolling in a mental health program doesn’t mean that your child will be taken out of your home, put on medications, or put into a “special” school.

There are many types of mental health programs. Some happen in your home, some are offered as part of your child’s preschool, and still others operate as their own program. Some are held once a week, and others are provided every day.

What all mental health programs have in common is that they provide opportunities for children to successfully interact with, learn from, and connect with other children and adults. This achieved through skill building, environmental modifications, and additional supports for the family. 1

  1. Early Report - Children’s Mental Health: Promoting School- and Life-Readiness, Center for Early Education and Development at the University of Minnesota, Spring 2007 (back)