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Help Them Grow Before They Go: School Readiness Tips for Ages 0–5

Getting ready for school doesn’t start with buying a backpack or packing a lunchbox — it starts long before that. Children build the skills they need for school in the early years, through everyday moments like playing, talking, listening, and exploring.

But what if your child isn’t hitting certain milestones yet — like talking, playing with others, or staying focused?

That’s where Help Me Grow Escambia comes in.

We offer free developmental screenings for children from birth to age 8, plus early intervention services for children under 5 who may need a little extra help catching up. We also connect families to local programs, services, and resources that support healthy development — and everything we offer is free.

Help Me Grow Escambia is a program of The Arc Gateway, funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust. Because of our generous funding through the Trust, we can provide these services to Escambia County children for free and help make sure they have the best chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Here are some simple ways to help your little one grow before they go to school.

What Does ‘School Ready’ Mean?

Being ready for school isn’t just about knowing your ABCs or how to count. It’s about having the basic skills to learn, connect with others, and feel confident in new environments.

Some early signs of school readiness include:

  • Talking, listening, or using other ways to communicate needs
  • Playing with others, taking turns, or showing interest in group play
  • Following simple directions or daily routines
  • Paying attention to one thing for a few minutes at a time
  • Using their hands to feed themselves, color, or play with toys
  • Feeling safe and okay being away from their main caregiver for a short time

Every child grows at their own pace — but if something feels “off” or you’re not sure if your child is hitting these milestones, it’s okay to ask for help.

Easy At-Home Activities to Build Skills

You don’t need fancy toys or expensive tools. Try these simple ideas:

To build language:

  • Talk to your child about what you’re doing
  • Read books together — even for a few minutes
  • Sing songs or play with animal sounds

To build thinking skills:

  • Sort socks by color or size
  • Count snacks as you put them on a plate
  • Let them help with simple tasks like pouring or stirring

To build social skills:

  • Practice taking turns during play
  • Let your child play with other children
  • Use words like “happy,” “sad,” or “frustrated” to talk about feelings

To build motor skills:

  • Draw with crayons or play with playdough
  • Stack blocks or build with cups
  • Run, jump, or play catch outside

When to Ask for Support

Some signs your child may need a little extra help:

  • Not talking as much as other children
  • Hard time paying attention
  • Trouble playing with others
  • Difficulty using hands or walking
  • A caregiver or teacher says something feels off

If you’re wondering whether your child is on track — don’t wait and worry. Let’s screen and see.

How Help Me Grow Escambia Can Help

We’re here to support you so your child can thrive.

Help Me Grow Escambia offers:

  • Free developmental screenings for children ages 0-8
  • Early intervention services for children ages 0–5
  • Connections to local programs and therapies
  • One-on-one support from a care coordinator

You don’t need a referral or diagnosis to reach out. Just a question — or a gut feeling.

Let’s Get Started

Give your child the best start — before they step into a classroom.

Take our free developmental screener online, call us, or come see us at a local event. We’re here to help you help your child grow.

Contact the Help Me Grow Escambia team at 850-435-7755 or reach out through our website at www.helpmegrowescambia.org.

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Dawn VonStein

Pollak Training Center Program Manager

A native of Pensacola, Dawn VonStein graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education.  She began working at The Arc Gateway in 1993 as a support specialist for the Women’s Training Center where she felt she could use her teaching background to help teach daily living skills to the women at the group home. When asked why she has made her career at The Arc Gateway she says it is, “because there are few other places I could work where every day is different, I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life, and I am truly loved by those I serve.”

Dondie Roper

PALS Program Director

Dondie is an innovator with more than 15 years’ experience driving results in program management, marketing, and media production. In addition to her studies in Journalism and Communication Arts at the University of West Florida, Dondie has received certification in Nonprofit Management. Dondie is very active in the community serving on board of directors for area nonprofit organizations, secretary/treasurer for UWADA, Loaned Executive with United Way, and volunteer with Special Olympics.

Jennah White

Special Projects Manager

Jennah began her journey with The Arc Gateway in the fall of 2016 as an assistant to Human Resources. During her time with the agency, Jennah has acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology along with a Certificate in Human Resources both from The University of West Florida.  Jennah can be considered a “jack-of-all-trades” thus securing her role as the Special Projects Manager (Office Manager). She also takes an active role in her community as a member of Pensacola Young Professionals.

Níta J Hooks

Senior Adult Program Manager

Níta started working at the Arc Gateway in January 2019 as the Senior Adult Program Manager. She began working in the Developmental Disabilities field in 2015 as a Support Coordinator and has worked as Supportive Living Coach and a QMRP. Níta earned an Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. She also worked as a Licensed Clinical Mental Therapist in Mississippi with all populations. “It is a joy to get up each morning, come into the program and work with such a wonderful group of people who keep me on my toes. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything in the world.”

Amanda Holtzhower

Human Resources Manager

Bio 

Rebecca Baron

Residential & Community Service Director

Rebecca is a Pensacola native who graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has been a part of The Arc Gateway team for over 2 decades, starting her career with us in 1997. Rebecca’s first position with The Arc Gateway was a Support Specialist in the Pal/Ace program. From that role she became a Group Home Manager with one of our female group homes, then moved into her current position as Director of Residential and Community services. “I love making a difference in the lives of people we serve and assisting them to achieve their goals and gain skills toward independence.”

MaryAnn Bickerstaff

Children’s Services Director

MaryAnn Bickerstaff began her career at The Arc Gateway in 1986 as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist soon after completing an internship with the Pearl Nelson Center’s Early Intervention and Preschool programs at the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at the University of West Florida. After working in this role for four years, MaryAnn became the Early Intervention Coordinator and in 1990 assumed the position as Children’s Services Director. During this time, she is proud of the program’s growth and diversity in funding, including grants and fundraising activities, but she is most proud of the impact her team is making in the lives of children every day. MaryAnn is very engaged with community partners and serves on the Board of the Early Learning Coalition and the Operational Support Team of Achieve Escambia among others. MaryAnn is a proud to be a native of Pensacola.

Stephen Rampersad

Chief Advancement Officer

Stephen Rampersad lives in Pace, Florida with his two sons. He’s deeply involved in community advocacy, but cherishes the role of fatherhood above all else. Stephen’s commitment to community engagement shines through various roles such as Chief Advancement Officer at The Arc Gateway, Board President of Hope Above Fear, and Ambassador for the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. When he’s not busy with his professional responsibilities, Stephen enjoys spending quality time with his family and finding peace in the tranquility of fishing. He values life’s simple pleasures and approaches each day with gratitude.

Larry Love

Chief Financial Officer

Larry Love is an accomplished professional with a diverse background that spans multi-national corporations to locally owned businesses. Growing up in Georgia, Larry attended LaGrange College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. After several years in public accounting in Atlanta and determined to further his expertise, Larry pursued a Master of Business Administration at the University of West Florida, graduating in 2010. Over the years, he has honed his skills in accounting, finance, and operations across various industries,

including manufacturing, non-profit organizations, consulting, and hospitality. In addition to his professional endeavors, Larry is committed to community service and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the WSRE-TV Foundation (PBS). He resides in Pensacola with his partner, Schyler, and their adorable Chihuahua mix, Alexis Rose.

Cathy Lauterbach

Chief Operating Officer

Cathy Lauterbach has shared her talent with The Arc Gateway for over two decades. A California native, Cathy obtained a bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She began her employment with the agency in 1995 as an employment specialist. From that role, she became the program manager at the Pollak Training Center before moving into the position as director of Residential and Community Services, and now her position as COO overseeing adult programs at The Arc Gateway.

Melissa Rogers

Chief Executive Officer

Missy has been working in the field of developmental disabilities since 1997.  Throughout her career she has performed in a variety of roles including direct care, case management, fundraising and administration.  Her extensive knowledge base and experience allows her a unique perspective and understanding of issues facing the disabled community.  Missy’s passion and dedication can be felt in her decision-making process as she always puts the best interests of those being served by the agency first.  In her spare time, she can be seen acting with a local dinner theater acting troupe. Missy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elon University in North Carolina and is originally from Virginia.