For many parents, school readiness means teaching our kids to write their own name, sing the ABCs and learn how to count. But recent surveys show that teachers are prioritizing social emotional learning above academics when determining how ready children are for school. And it’s not just teachers. These skills will continue to be assessed when our kids go off to find jobs. Many hiring managers list skills like the ability to work in a team and communicate with colleagues and clients as top things they look for when finding a good fit for a job. All of these skills fall under social emotional learning.   

Learn more about the importance of social emotional development and how parents can start tracking and celebrating their child’s progress as young as 2 months old.  

With the new school year here, families across Washington are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. Amid these preparations, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is especially important. 

Child development is more than just physical growth. As children grow, they develop their ability to communicate, solve problems, and navigate their physical and social worlds. Free developmental screenings, early intervention services, and community resources such as parenting classes, in-home support, and play groups, promote the healthy development of your child.

If you or someone you know has questions about their child's development, a friendly, knowledgeable Help Me Grow Family Resource Navigator can connect you to the health and development resources you need to give your kids the best start.

Call our Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or click on a

link below.

• Developmental Milestones
• Developmental Screenings
• Early Learning + School-Readiness
• Children with Special Health Care Needs
• Parent + Caregiver Support

CONNECT WITH US