Collaborative Corner

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Family Collaborative Coordinator

Even if you aren’t expecting a newborn or have a 3-year-old in your household, it’s good to know just some of their services provided throughout the year.

The EC (Early Childhood)/THRIVE Initiative partners with two programs by sharing developmental and community resources, books and other items for those who register.

Whether you are a first-time parent or you have previously had children, a prenatal class is available to meet your needs. Classes are held at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. During the two evening sessions, nursing staff teach the stages of labor, mother and baby care. Infant CPR is instructed by Glacial Ridge Emergency Services & Training. There is no fee for mothers delivering at Glacial Ridge Hospital while expectant parents in neighboring counties can register for a fee. For more information, check out the Glacial Ridge Health System Expectant Parent Classes online at glacialridge.org or call 320-634-2235 with questions.   

The Minnewaska Area School District provides early childhood screening appointments for all 3 year olds in Pope County. A trained professional checks a child’s hearing and vision, growth, immunizations and movement, thinking, language and community skills and social/emotional development. This free, mandatory screening is for all Minnesota children and is best done when a child is age 3.

For school district enrollees, screening must be completed prior to registering in district preschool or kindergarten programming. More information and registration can be found on the Minnewaska Area Schools website under Community Education at minnewaska.k12.mn.us.  For questions, contact 320-634-4567 ext. 2219.

Thank you to those involved in both of these programs that care for our children and families!