Encompass Family Support Services: Wondering About Your Child's Development?
What parents should know about developmental milestones, Early Intervention, and when it may be time to ask questions.
What parents should know about developmental milestones, Early Intervention, and when it may be time to ask questions.
Every parent watches their children learn something new and wonders, "What comes next?" Maybe it's a first smile, a new sound, crawling across the floor, taking those first steps, or saying a new word. These moments are exciting, but they can also bring questions.
"Is my child where they should be?"
"What if they're not meeting a milestone?"
"When should I ask for help?"
You don't have to know all of the answers. Early Intervention is there to help families understand their child's development and find support when they need it.
Start With the Milestones
Developmental milestones are skills children typically develop as they grow. They can include:
Communication - making sounds, using gestures, understanding words, and talking
Social-emotional skills - interacting with others, expressing emotions, and building relationships
Cognitive skills - exploring, learning, remembering, and problem-solving
Physical skills - moving, balancing, reaching, and coordinating the body
Everyday skills - eating, dressing, playing, and participating in routines
Milestones are a guide, not a deadline. Children develop at different rates, and there is a range of what's typical. But if something makes you wonder, it's okay to ask.
Not sure what to look for? Encompass offers developmental milestone checklists. Use the checklists as a starting point to learn what skills children typically develop at different ages.
What Is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention helps young children build important developmental skills while giving parents and caregivers the support and tools they need along the way. At Encompass Family Support Services, Early Intervention serves children from birth to age three.
Encompass works alongside parents and caregivers to understand their child's strengths and needs, set meaningful goals, and find practical ways to support development during everyday routines and activities.
Who Qualifies?
A child may be eligible for Early Intervention based on their development, medical history, or other circumstances. Eligibility may include:
25% Developmental Delay - A delay of 25% or more in two areas of development
50% Developmental Delay - A delay of 50% or more in one area of development
Certain Medical Conditions - Some medical conditions may qualify a child for Early Intervention services
Prematurity or NICU History - Certain circumstances related to prematurity or a child's NICU history may be considered as part of eligibility
You don't have to figure out if your child is eligible on your own. Parents, caregivers, and professionals can make a referral, and a physician's referral is not required.
Trust Your Gut
A question or concern doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. Either way, asking early gives you more information and more opportunities to support your child.
Did You Know? A child who qualifies for Early Intervention Services is automatically eligible for Medicaid and WIC. Medicaid helps cover the cost of medical care, therapies, and other services your child may need, while WIC provides nutrition support, education, breastfeeding support, and other resources for families.
When Should You Ask for Support?
41% of North Dakota children ages 9-35 months receive developmental screenings.
You don't have to wait until you're certain something is wrong.
If you've noticed something about your child's development that has you wondering, it's okay to ask questions. You may want to reach out if your child:
Isn't meeting expected developmental milestones
Has difficulty communicating or interacting
Is having trouble with movement or coordination
Has lost a skill they previously had
Was born prematurely or spent time in the NICU
Has a medical condition that may affect development
Connect With Us
Encompass Family Support Services
Phone: 701-478-1105
Instagram: @EncompassFSS
Facebook: Encompass Family Support Services
Learn more about Early Intervention in North Dakota from the state's Health and Human Services department. Also on Meet Fargo: When should you seek speech therapy for your child?
Read It in the Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does Early Intervention serve at Encompass?
At Encompass Family Support Services, Early Intervention serves children from birth to age three.
Do I need a referral from my child's doctor?
No. Parents, caregivers and professionals can make a referral, and a physician's referral is not required.
When is it okay to ask about my child's development?
Any time. You do not have to wait until you are certain something is wrong. A question or concern does not automatically mean something is wrong, and asking early can help.
How do I reach Encompass Family Support Services?
Call 701-478-1105, or find them on Instagram and Facebook at @EncompassFSS.
Published October 16, 2026
