WHAT IS GET READY TO GROW?

Get Ready to GROW (GROW) was established in 2014 and offers comprehensive developmental screenings with support for referral and follow-up services for children ages 1-5. GROW is a community initiative managed by the Children's Institute in collaboration with education, health, and service partners. 

In 2019, GROW Rochester adopted the Help Me Grow model to enhance its cross-sector partnerships and community impact. In 2022, GROW Rochester expanded into Get Ready to GROW Finger Lakes.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• GROW screenings identify early and address the health and developmental concerns of children ages 1-5 to help ensure they're ready to learn.
• GROW screenings can go beyond what most healthcare providers are able to address during a standard well child visit.
• GROW works directly with childcare providers, schools and families to provide screenings and follow-up navigation to connect families with their next steps and/or resources needed.   
• The GROW team empowers families and programs to see past the struggles and obstacles, to become the child's strongest advocate, assuring he/she has an opportunity to let their greatness grow.  
• GROW provides services to speakers of all languages.
   

EVIDENCE-BASED FOUNDATION

• Developmental screening supplements and strengthens ongoing developmental surveillance to identify subtle risks for developmental delays that parents and pediatricians may not recognize during routine interactions. Developmental Surveillance and Screening Patient Care (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022)

• GROW uses a collective impact model including systems integration, common standards, shared language, strategic planning and problem solving to serve the needs to children and families.

  
   

• GROW screenings are completed by professionals using leading-edge tools, technology and parent questionnaires in the following areas:
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Dental
  • Speech and language
  • Motor
  • Cognitive functioning
  • Social emotional competence
  • Physical development
• GROW screenings are QUICK, CONVENIENT AND FUN!
• GROW screenings are free and coordinated through a partnering childcare provider or school/district.
• GROW Navigators provide follow-up support, next steps and resources to help family's access any further evaluation(s) and service(s) needed to promote the child's healthy growth, development and learning.  

126

zip codes have a GROW program in the Finger Lakes region.

13,887

children have received comprehensive developmental checks.

37,779

 vision, hearing, dental, speech, movement (fine and gross motor), social and emotional competence, cognitive functioning, and physical developmental screenings have been completed.

~50% 

were referred for at least one full evaluation or follow-up service.

A detailed description of the GROW screenings tools & devices

Screenings available in Monroe County and the Finger Lakes region

Local and national resources for children and families

 Help Me Grow National Center and NYS Help Me Grow