Understood.org is a website that provides information and support for parents of children ages 3 to 20 years old who have learning and attention issues. Information includes understanding and getting diagnosis; working with the schools; support for the whole child and for the family overall. There are many tools, blogs and groups that support parents in this journey. 

Between the ages of 3 and 4 years old,  children should be screened to detect possible health or learning concerns. This screening is so important to make sure all students are ready to start school. 

Screenings will be done by trained professionals who will check:

   vision

   hearing

   height and weight

   immunization status

   large and small muscle development

   thinking, language and communication skills

   social and emotional development

The screening is FREE and offered at the Pearson Early Learning Center. Please use the link below to schedule this important screening for your child who is between 3 and 4 years old.

CHADD is a national, non-profit organization providing information and support for ADD/ADHD issues. See the website link below for more information.

Learning Disabilities Association is a nonprofit focusing on the needs of those with learning disabilities and family support. More information at the link below

The Family Resource Center is a place for connection to services, resources, information and support. There is a monthly calendar where you can meet in person with someone from the Family Resource Center. This calendar can be found by clicking the link. Locations include the Shakopee Library and River Valley YMCA

Help Me Connect is an online navigator that can connect parents (and expecting parents) with local resources to support your child(ren)'s growth and development in many different areas (childcare, disability, mental health, legal, basic needs, dental care, developmental/behavioral concerns, etc.)

Parent Support Outreach Program is a short-term voluntary support for families facing challenges. The focus is on the famiily's strengths and needs and aims to help children and parents thrive. A PSOP worker will conduct a comprehensive assessment of families' needs and strengths together and make decisions about what services or community resources are the best choice for success. 

PSOP can assist with:

   *basic needs

   *family health

   *Parenting

   *Transportation

   *Child Care

   *Financial needs

Call 952-496-8959 or follow the following link for more information: https://co.carver.mn.us/departments/health-human-services/child-family/child-welfare/parent-support-outreach-program-psop

The crisis nursey assists families who are in need of short-term child care due to a crisis. 

Helpline:L612-746-1530

Or follow the link for more information: https://capagency.org/cause/crisis-nursery/

Family Voices is an agency supporting families of children with Special Needs from diagnosis to adulthood through:

   *Parent support groups (on-line)

   *Webinars on a variety of tipics

   *Resources

   *Connect parents with another support parent

MOMS Club of Shakopee and Prior Lake provides activites, playdates, service projects and various gatherings who's goal is to connect parents of young children for socialization opportunities for both the parents and the children.

Click on the link below to learn more about this local chapter. 

MOPS is an international organization that has a group in Shakopee and other Twin Cities communitieis which meets on a regular basis to support moms of young children. 

See the link below to find a group near you, if you are interested. 

MN Zoo has launched an app which will assist families of children with ASD, anxiety or sensory processing difficulties have a better experience at the Zoo. The app includes social guides, sensory friendly zoo map, visual schedules which can be individualized, communication tools and a zoo themed memory game. 

Follow the link below to download the app.

Understood.org is a website that provides a variety of tools for parents of children ages 3 to 20 who have learning and attention issues. The tools include signs and symptoms; treatment approaches; school approaches and support for the family. There are articles, live experts, blogs and groups available to support parents. 

Empowering Parents is a website run by a company who is dedicated empowering parents with tools to manage challenging child behaviors. While some of the services are fee-based, there is free access to hundreds of parenting articles written by professionals in the field. 

M.O.M.S. is a non-profit, faith based mentoring program serving single mothers and their children in Dakota and Scott counties. They provide education, personal support and connections to community resources. The goal is to fill the niche of "trusted advisor" for single mothers who find themselves in challenging situations and want to make positive life changes for their families, but lack the support system to help them do so.

Program participants commit to :

  **Goal setting and achievement'

  **Mentoring

  **Education: bi-monthly meeings on topics such as budgeting, parenting and healthy relationships

Contact M.O.M.S. by calling 952-890-5072, email at office@momsprogram.org or click on the link www.momsprogram.org

"The Toy Corner provides gently used and new toys to children, 52 weeks a year, who might not otherwise have them."

The Toy Corner provides free and gently used toys for families who might not otherwise have any. Each child can pick out 2 toys in addition to books and stuffed animals (maximum of 6 toys per family and shopping once a month). Parents need to provide an ID and current utility bill indicating they live in Shakopee, Savage or Prior Lake. 

The Toy Corner is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Please see link for specific hours. 

The Toy Corner appreciates donations of gently used toys. There are drop off locations at CFC, Klein Bank and Chamber of Commerce in Shakopee in addition to other locations outside of Shakopee. Financial support is also appreciated (a link is on their website which can be accessed via the link below).

The Toy Corner is located at 12302 Princeton Avenue in Savage. Their phone number is 952-230-6356. Complete information can be found on their website which can be accessed through the link below.

Kinship Caregivers is a program within Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota that supports adults who are raising other's children (grandparents, relatives or friend) through worhskops/classes, individual consultation and conferences.

Kinship Caregivers can:

    *Help connect you with a variety of resources such as legal, medical and financial support for your family.

    *Hosts groups and classes which provide information and strategy for self-care, healing trauma and supporting children with behavioral challenges.

    *Hosts support groups which offer an opportunity to find solidarity, identify resources and learn new ways to navigate difficult aspects of the caregiving journey. These are offered in multiple locations

Contact Kinship Caregivers by calling 651-917-4640; emailing at warmline@lssmn.org or clicking on the link below to see more information.

Sesame Street introduced a character with autism named Julia. They now have a website that provides videos to help your child understand the challenges of children with autism. Additionally, if you are a parent of a child with autism, there are some great resources to help suppport your child at home. 

  *Videos for children on how to be a friend to a peer with autism; why some children do things differently and how to communicate in sign language. There's even a book on "Julia and her friends" and how they build their friendship together. 

  *Daily routine charts for parents of children with autism in addition to other resources. 

Parenting tips for famiies with toddlers and preschoolers for the CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention). The website provides evidence based positive parenting strategies and techniques using written content, interative activities and videos. Topics include communication; consequences and discipline; giving directions; creating structure and using time outs.

Click on the link below to view the website and tools. 

The RentHelpMN portal is now available to assist people with past due rent if they meet eligibility. Those who meet eligibility may also get assistance with future rent and utilities. 

Please click on the link to find out more information. 

If you need assistance in filling out forms or help with the website, please reach out to the School Social Worker in your student's building. They are happy to assist.

Provides career lab services, job search, job leads, employment and training programs/resources, workshops and. resume review.

Call 952-496-8310

Or follow the link: https://careerforcemn.com/shakopee

Lutheran Social Services Financial and Consumer Credit Services provides budget, credit/debt, student loan and foreclosure prevention counseling online, in person or by telephone. 

Call 888-577-2227

Or follow the link for more information:  https://lssmn.org/debt

Due to COVID Project Community Connect was not held in person. There was a list provided about community resources available. Please connect with your School Social Worker to find out more information. 

Highlights include:

    *Healthcare services and information

    *IDs and Birth certificates

    *Employment resources and job fair

    *Benefits and food support

    *Legal Assistance 

    *Education/School/Youth resources

    *Veteran services

    *Housing and homeless services

    *Lunches and childcare available

    *Free transportation from various areas (see website)

Internet Essentials is a program through Comcast which provides Internet service for $9.95/month plus tax. This rate will not increase; there is no activation fee and there is no equipment rental fees. This program is available for families who currently qualify for the school's free lunch program. 

A low cost computer is also available at initial enrollment for $149.99 plus tax. Free Internet training is also available online, in print or in person. 

A family without Internet is a home that's out of touch for children and parents alike. Help your family get ahead by learning more or applying for this affordable Internet service by visiting the link below or calling 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376)

Assistance with housing, energy/heat assistance, food shelf and thrift store. Located on Canterbury Road. Office number is 952-496-2125.

Energy Assistaqnce eligibility can be found at http://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/#guidelines. Applications are accepted from October 1 to May 31. If you've previously received Energy Assistance you will be mailed an application. 

Energy Related Repair: funds are available to help correct "no heat" or malfunctioning heating systems for owner-occupied homes. Individuals must be eligible for Energy Assistance. Please call 651-322-3500 for more information.

Energy Crisis Assistance: Available for those receiving Energy Assistance and experiencing an emergency situation (disconnection, shut off notice or delivery of fuel for tanks below 20%. Please call 651-322-3500 for more information. 

Scott County Public Health promotes prevention and well child checks for families who are on Medical Assistance by making phone calls which help attain transportation, interpreters or assistance to get them to well child checks.

Call 952-496-8555

Or follow this link for more information: https://scottcountymn.gov/399/Child-Teen-Checkups

Portico Healthnet is a nonprofit that connects people to health insurance and health care. They will help you understand your options for health insurance through MN Sure AND private health plans as well as guide you through the application process start to finish. 

Call today for a phone appointment: 651-489-2273

Email at info@porticohealthnet.org

Or follow this link for more information: https://porticohealthnet.org

Offers care out of two headquarters in Minneapolis as well as satellite clinics in other communities.

Call 612-746-1530 for more information and to make an appointment. 

Or follow the link for more information: https://childrensdentalservices.org

Neighborhood Health Source provides a multitude of clinic services (including mental health services; chronic disease management; basic and preventative health care) in an affordable manner. They accept most insurance plans and have a sliding fee for those who qualify.

There are 3 Minneapolis locations. Walk ins welcome! Multilingual staff and interpreters.

Phone: 612-588-9411

Click on the link below to be directed to their website. 

This is a user friendly tool to help people who are looking for urgent (same or next day) services to prevent, respond to, or follow up from a mental health or substance abuse crisis. 

The tool helps you get connected to providers, learn what to expect and explore information about general systems. 

Provides free education, support and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their families.

Call 952-890-1669

Or follow this link for more information: https://namimn.org. This link provides many option for online support for various issues. 

Click on the link below to access a fact sheet with parenting tips for parents on how to promote positive mental health in younger children. This fact sheet is available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Somali. 

Participants will learn how chemical use is often a negative coping strategy to deal with mental health conditions. We will also cover current drug trends, signs and symptoms, how parents can help their child be drug-free, and information regarding Sober School.

Tuesday, November 14th from 6 to 8 p.m. a the Prio Lake Library.

To register click on the link below or call 651-645-2948

Sexual and gender development are a natural part of human development. If a child or adolescent is experiencing issues related to gender, the U of M's Program in Human Sexuality has a variety of services and programs to support children/adolescents as well as families.

Supports include:

   *Clinical Services: information sessions for caregivers; psychological assessments; individual, group and family therapy

  *Adolescent Gender Exploration Groups

   *Consulation, Advocacy and Training

It's not uncommmon for parents/caregivers to experience a range of emotions (including confusion, grief, guilt and fear for their child's safety) in coming to terms with what their child's gender identity means for them. Thus, we provide education and support to caregivers to navigate these challenges. We also invite caregivers of adolescents to participate in their adolescent in a group component where they have the opportunity to meet other caregivers who are facing similar circumstances. 

Classes and support include:

   * "Families of Adults"

   *"Hope for Recovery (adults with mental illness)"  

   *"Parents and Caregivers of Children"

   *"Parent Nights" - classes on certain topics

   *"Children and Teen Group" - support for children who have a parent or sibling with mental illness

   *"General Public" - classes on an assortment of topics that would be beneficial to anyone

Please click on the link to find out more specifics and to sign up for classes. You must register online or call Cari Juarez at 651-645-2948 ext. 130 or email her at cjuarez@namimn.org.

Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people.

Friendship Church in Shakopee (12800 Marystown Road) provides various Christian-based support: GriefShare(Tuesdays at 7 p.m.) DivorceCare(Tue. at 7 p.m.) and Celebrate Recovery (from "life's hurts, hang-ups and habits" on Mondays at 6 p.m.). Call 952-447-8282