How Help Me Grow Escambia supports families & the team making it possible
When most people think of preparing a child for school and lifelong success, they imagine classrooms, crayons, and ABCs. But readiness starts long before a child ever walks through a school door. It starts in the earliest years of life – through play, connection, communication, and care.
At Help Me Grow Escambia, we know that every child develops at their own pace. But when a child shows signs of delay, early support can make all the difference. That’s where our Developmental Specialists come in.
And it’s time we celebrate them.
🌱 What Is a Developmental Specialist?
Our Developmental Specialists (DSs) are trained professionals who work with children ages birth to five who may be showing signs of developmental delay – especially those who might not qualify for state-funded programs, or who are waiting for services like Early Steps or Child Find.
They go where the child is – whether that’s at home, a childcare center, or a grandparent’s house – bringing not just tools and toys, but patience, care, and expertise. Their goal is simple: help children thrive.
🧠 What Do They Actually Do?
A lot more than meets the eye.
💬 Support communication skills – like helping a toddler learn new words
🎯 Encourage social-emotional development – like teaching turn-taking or managing frustration
🧩 Build fine and gross motor skills** — from grasping a crayon to walking steadily
👂 Help caregivers understand what’s typical, and what might need support
📋 Provide hands-on strategies caregivers can use every day
And they do it all for free for Escambia County residents, thanks to funding from the Escambia Children’s Trust.
One parent shared how much a Developmental Specialist changed their family’s journey:
“(Our HMGE DS) Erozi connected with Noah immediately, meeting him where he was and helping him grow in both skill and confidence. He looked forward to every visit with her. Erozi played a major role in his development, helping him believe in his ability to accomplish anything. She was an absolute gem.
At first, I was skeptical – because they were so helpful, often anticipating our needs before we even voiced them. But that support turned out to be exactly what we needed. Help Me Grow was more than a resource – they were advocates. They helped us navigate complex systems, including IEP meetings, and matched us with providers who truly cared.
I can’t fully express how much the Help Me Grow program has impacted our lives. Thanks to them, (our son) is not only making progress – he’s thriving. He’s becoming more comfortable navigating a world he sees a little differently, and I credit so much of that to the entire Help Me Grow team.”
🧡 Why It Matters
Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5. When concerns are caught early, children have the best chance to catch up to their peers, and families get the peace of mind they deserve.
But without support, delays can snowball. And in Escambia County, many families face long waitlists, confusing referral processes, or simply don’t know where to start.
That’s why Help Me Grow Escambia exists.
And that’s why our Developmental Specialists are essential. They don’t just screen children – they help build a path forward.
👣 Need Support?
If you’re concerned your child may not be hitting developmental milestones – or if you just want peace of mind – Help Me Grow Escambia, a program of The Arc Gateway, is here for you.
We offer:
✅ Free developmental screenings
✅ Early intervention services for ages 0–5
✅ Local resource connections and support
✅ No referral or insurance required
Don’t wait and see – screen and see.
👉 Start a screening online – www.helpmegrowescambia.org
📞 Or call us to speak with a care coordinator today: 850-378-0322.
