Family Support
Check out these exciting resources that will help you and your child through their development journey.
First Things First Porter County
First Things First Porter County is a local initiative focused on ensuring children in our community are healthy, safe, and ready to succeed in school and in life. By bringing together families, service providers, and community partners, First Things First strengthens early childhood systems and supports, so every child has the best possible start.
Kidworks Pediatric Therapy Center
Located in Chesterton, Kidworks provides play-based therapy to help children from birth to age 18 reach important developmental milestones. Services include occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as feeding support and free developmental screenings for young children.
Kidworks partners closely with families to create personalized care plans in a supportive, child-friendly environment. Learn more at kidworksllc.com or call (219) 983-9675
Parent + Child Activities
Books, Blocks, and Balls
Interactive Play with a Purpose
Books, Blocks, and Balls is a hands-on event where fun and learning go hand in hand! Designed for parents and young children, this interactive experience offers playful activity stations focused on key areas of early development:
- Books for emergent literacy
- Blocks for early math and fine motor skills
- Balls for gross motor development and problem-solving
While children explore through play, parents gain valuable insight into child development, developmental screenings, and local community resources. Families are encouraged to follow their child’s lead—whether they stay in one spot or explore every station.
The beauty of Books, Blocks, and Balls lies in its flexibility. Events can be customized for any community or space—offering just one station or several. Best of all, the activities are simple and easy to recreate at home using everyday items.
During the event, families also learn about Help Me Grow Porter County’s free services, including developmental screenings, care coordination, and resource connections—all available in both English and Spanish.
Reach out to Help Me Grow Porter county for a list of additional playgroups in your area
Sprouts Playground & Studio
Supporting Early Development Through Play
At Sprouts Playground & Studio, families will find more than just a place to play—it’s a nurturing environment where young children can grow, explore, and connect through meaningful, sensory-rich experiences. Sprouts is thoughtfully designed to encourage creativity, build confidence, and support key areas of early childhood development.
Whether your child is discovering how things work, building fine motor skills, or just enjoying the freedom of movement, Sprouts offers a safe and joyful space where learning happens through play.
Public open play is available for children up to age 6, unless otherwise advertised.
Learn more at playatsprouts.com
Bright By Text, provides free expert parenting tips by text
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Braille Books from American Action Fund
Free monthly braille books through the American Action Fund
Sesame Street Fire Safety Program Color and Learn
Kids ages 3-5 receive a free fire safety coloring book in English or Spanish from the US Fire Administration
A better future starts with Help Me Grow.
Call Help Me Grow today to access free tools, expert guidance, and local programs designed to help your child thrive because every child deserves the best start in life!
