Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has the responsibility and privilege of working with individuals and families throughout their life cycle. In the area of early childhood development, our department provides education, advocacy, direct services and referrals for families to help prepare children for a healthy future and to grow and develop into healthy adults. Research shows that early experiences affect the brain and future health and prosperity. Nobel Prize-winning economics professor James Heckman from the University of Chicago found that for every dollar spent in quality, early childhood programs, there is a 13 percent return on investment. Positive results that extend into adulthood include lower blood pressure, higher graduation rates, higher incomes and less drug use1. These are results that are positive for individuals, families and the community! Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) department is involved in the development, support and delivery of many early childhood programs including:
Childbirth Education classes are offered approximately four times a year to expecting parents in Cook County. Instruction is provided by the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.
Child Care Assistance Program or CCAP provides financial assistance to help families with low incomes pay for child care so that parents can pursue employment or education leading to employment, and that children are well cared for and prepared to enter school. Cook County PHHS accepts and processes applications and determines a family’s copayment (the amount a family pays towards the cost of the child care).
Child Care Licensing: Cook County PHHS licenses and inspects family child care homes in Cook County and can provide information to help families find quality child care and early education.
Child and Teen Checkups ensure that children receive regular checkups to diagnose and treat health conditions and encourage healthy habits. The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic provides outreach and conducts preventative exams for all Cook County children from birth to age 20.
Circles of Security is an evidence-based approach to help parents better understand their children’s needs for secure attachments. In Cook County, staff from both the school district and from Cook County PHHS became certified to teach this program to caregivers. Parents can learn this approach by participating in early childhood programs through Cook County ISD 166. This is an approach that PHHS also plans to expand and integrate into its programming.
The Cook County Early Childhood Coalition is a multi-agency taskforce that examines ways to provide comprehensive interagency collaboration, services, education and support opportunities for all Cook County and Grand Portage children and families prenatal to kindergarten.
Family Cash Assistance programs like the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) provide nutrition assistance, employment services and financial support to Cook County families. Cook County PHHS accepts applications and determines program eligibility. Employment Services are provided through the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.
Family Home Visiting is a universal outreach and support program offered to all parents with newborns in Cook County. A registered nurse from the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic connects with families to address questions and concerns and to offer support and connect to resources
Follow Along is a free, voluntary program offered to Cook County families with children from birth to age 3. It is a program that engages parents in observing child development milestones while also providing educational materials and supports. Cook County Public Health staff enrolls families and helps track developmental milestones.
Help Me Grow is an interagency effort of the Minnesota Department of Education, Health and Human Services to identify young children with developmental delays or disabilities for intervention services. Cook County ISD 166 accepts referrals for Help Me Grow.
North Shore Collaborative is a joint powers board of Cook and Lake County that strives to improve access for all children to community resources and opportunities that promote healthy development. One of the programs supported by the Collaborative is Learning Opportunities through Stories (LOTS), a summer reading program that is provided throughout the county.
Parent Support Outreach Program or PSOP is a voluntary, early intervention program for families experiencing risk factors that could lead to maltreatment. PHHS staff meets with the families to find out their goals and needs for a healthy family and helps the family achieve those goals. Families with a child under 10 can participate.
WIC or Women Infants and Children is a nutrition program that helps women who are pregnant, nursing and caring for a child under 5 to purchase healthy food, provide nutrition tips and breastfeeding support. WIC information and appointments can be obtained through the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. Parents and caregivers throughout the community are working every day to ensure that children are healthy, safe and well cared for. There are many other resources and programs not listed above that support families and children in Cook County. PHHS is one part of a large network that helps to ensure that children grow up strong and healthy and can positively contribute to the community. For more information about child development resources in Cook County, call 218-387- 3620 or visit Cook County PHHS Monday- Friday, open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at 411 W. Second St., Grand Marais. Online at www.cookcountyphhs.org or “Like” us on Facebook @ CookCountyPHHS County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service
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