Growing Smart
Program Description
Growing Smart is HomeSafe’s early childhood developmental surveillance program designed to help families monitor and support their child’s healthy growth and development during the critical first years of life. Serving families throughout Palm Beach County, the program provides developmental screenings, parent education, and individualized support for children from birth through age two.
Through a series of home visits, Developmental Support Specialists work directly with families to help parents better understand developmental milestones and learn how to monitor their child’s progress using evidence-based screening tools. The program focuses on strengthening parental knowledge and confidence while promoting early identification of developmental or behavioral concerns.
Families receive guidance and activities that support age-appropriate development across key areas, including communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social development. Parents also receive education related to household safety, immunizations, child behavior, and school readiness.
All services are provided free of charge in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2), the program helps identify concerns early so children and families can be connected to additional assessments and supportive services through the Healthy Beginnings System of Care when needed.
- Developmental and social-emotional screenings for young children
- Home visits with Developmental Support Specialists
- Parent education on child development and developmental milestones
- Activities and strategies that support healthy growth and learning
- Guidance on household safety, immunizations, and school readiness
- Referrals for additional assessments, early intervention, and supportive services when concerns are identified
What is Growing Smart?
Growing Smart is a developmental surveillance program that supports parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 2 years old by helping monitor developmental milestones and identifying concerns early.
Who can participate in the program?
Families with a child under 6 weeks old in Palm Beach County can participate in the Growing Smart program.
What does developmental surveillance mean?
Developmental surveillance means regularly checking how a child is growing, learning, communicating, moving, and interacting to help ensure they are meeting important milestones.
What areas of development are monitored?
The program monitors:
- Communication
- Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Problem Solving
- Personal Social Skills
Is there a cost to participate?
No, Growing Smart services are provided at no cost to eligible families.
What happens if my child needs additional support?
If concerns are identified, families may be referred to appropriate services within the Healthy Beginnings System of Care for further evaluation and support.
Who can participate in the program?
Families in Palm Beach County with a child between the ages of birth and 2 years old, can participate in the Growing Smart program.
The Growing Smart program is not an emergency response program. If there is an immediate safety concern or medical emergency, call 911. If you or someone in your family is experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 for immediate support.
Families can also call 2-1-1 for local crisis support, information, and referrals to community resources.
Referral Process
For parents or guardians wanting to request Growing Smart services, please call (561) 383-9871 or email referral@helphomesafe.org
For providers looking to make a referral for services, please click here to download or print the Healthy Beginnings Entry Agency referral form. Email the completed form to referral@helphomesafe.org