HomeChild CareOhioHelp Me Grow Early Intervention
How to Apply: Help Me Grow Early Intervention
Ohio · 6 StepsFamilies with children from birth to age 3 who may have delays or disabilities
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if this is for you
Babies and toddlers up to age 3
- Child under age 3
- Worries about how your child grows
- Free for your family
Good to know: The program is completely free and your choice — you can say yes or no.Step 2 of 6: Make a referral
Anyone can start it — you, your doctor, or your child care provider
- Call 1-800-755-4769
- Refer online
- Fill out the referral form
Good to know: Anyone — families, doctors, or childcare providers — can make a referral.Step 3 of 6: Get papers ready
- Signed referral form
- Doctor papers if you have them
- Your contact information
Step 4 of 6: Meet for an evaluation
A provider checks how your child is growing
- Connect with a local provider
- Schedule the evaluation
- Child's development is checked
Step 5 of 6: Make a family plan
Called an IFSP
- Meet your coordinator
- Build the plan together
Step 6 of 6: Start your visits
- Visits at your home
- Speech, therapy, nursing help
- Help until age 3
Good to know: Families often get up to 36 home visits over about 1.6 years. You've got a team behind you now.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for for the Help Me Grow Program in Ohio.
What is Help Me Grow – Early Intervention?
Help Me Grow (HMG) is a free program for families of children from birth to age 3 who may have developmental delays or disabilities. It includes:
Home Visiting during pregnancy and early years
Early Intervention Services for children who need extra help
Development screenings to track your child’s growth
Support in familiar places like home or childcare settings
Experts agree that starting help early is best—it’s kinder for your child and saves money later .
How do I apply for Early Intervention?
You can start anytime if you’re concerned about your child’s development:
Online referral via Ohio’s Central Intake & Referral
Call the statewide Helpline: 1-800-755-4769
Fax/email a referral signed by a healthcare provider or you
Anyone can refer a child—parents, doctors, childcare providers, or nurses. After the referral, a local provider will contact you to start the eligibility process .
How long does it take to receive services?
Once your referral is received:
A service coordinator from Help Me Grow will contact your family
You’ll schedule a developmental evaluation
If eligible, you’ll work with a team to build an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Services like speech, nutrition, or physical therapy start right away.
Many families receive up to 36 home visits over about 1.6 years.
What do the application steps look like?
Make a referral by phone, online, or form submission
Connect with a local provider and schedule evaluation
Get evaluated to decide if your child is eligible
Develop your IFSP with your provider and service coordinator
Start services—these may include speech, OT, PT, nursing, nutrition, family training, social work, vision, and more
Ongoing visits are scheduled based on your child’s needs and family goals
What documentation is required?
Referral & Eligibility
Completed referral form (signed by a parent or professional)
Assessment Information
Any medical or special condition documentation (like hearing loss, blood lead levels, neonatal issues).
Family Information
Your contact info and child’s info to set up the IFSP
Common FAQs
1. Who can refer a child?Anyone—families, doctors, or childcare providers can make a referral .
2. Is there a cost?No—it’s free and completely voluntary warrencountyohio.gov.
3. What if I don’t know for sure?Help Me Grow gives screenings and evaluations at no cost to help you understand your child’s development.
4. What if my child isn’t 3 yet?Services are available until a child turns three. After that, support can transition into preschool special needs measurementresourcesco.com+15ohioearlyintervention.org+15helpmegrowmn.org+15.
5. What services are included?Early services include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, family training, vision services, and more hmgbf.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14auglaizedd.org+14.
Who do I contact for help?
Help Me Grow Central Intake & Referral
Phone: 1‑800‑755‑4769
Online Referral: Accessible at Ohio’s Help Me Grow site
Email Fax Referrals: Follow details on central intake pages
Local Providers or County First Councils
Contact via local county, school, or medical provider records—use IFSP connections.
Last updated July 1, 2025