Help Me Grow Program Earns High Marks

SANDUSKY – Erie County Help Me Grow, a program that provides health and developmental services to expectant parents, newborns, infants and toddlers, recently earned a "Meets Standards" rating in a review by the Ohio Department of Health. The exemplary status of "Meets Standards" is the highest rating available.

The review focused on the program’s ability to serve children with disabilities and delays. The review determined that Erie County Help Me Grow was 100 percent compliant with state regulations and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The state reviewed such areas as county compliance, performance data, and information obtained through focused monitoring visits.

“This is a direct result of the tireless work of our dedicated staff,” said Carrie Beier, administrator of the Early Intervention program at the Erie County Board of Developmental disabilities, which oversees Erie County Help Me Grow. “The commitment level of our Help Me Grow team assists many Erie County children and families. Their lives are significantly impacted in such a positive way by the program.”

“The earlier Help Me Grow can get involved with a child, the more likely it will  have a positive impact on their life,” said Lisa Guliano, superintendent of the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “Studies have shown that the earlier the intervention, the more positive the result. This rating by the state signifies that Erie County Help Me Grow is a strong, viable operation that has the best interests of our children and families at heart.”