Encompass Family Support Services

11/14/2025

Around 6 months, your baby might start showing off some serious leg strength! When held in a standing position, they can take weight on their feet! 💪

This milestone means their muscles are developing and they’re building the coordination needed for future big moves like crawling, pulling up, and walking. Every bounce, wiggle, and kick is helping them grow stronger and more confident.

11/12/2025

Looking for ways to keep the kids active and the season festive this month? Check out these fun family-friendly happenings in the FM area:

💭 Dreamland Indoor Playground is a great spot to let the kids run, climb, and play while staying warm indoors. It’s the perfect place to burn off that extra energy.
🧑‍🍳 For something sweet, Cookie Krums Bakery is hosting a Turkey Grown Up and Me Cookie Decorating Class on November 13 with sessions at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A fun, hands-on way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit!
🧑‍🎄 Don’t miss Cookies with the Claus Family at the FARGODOME on November 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be sleigh rides, face painting, a bouncy house, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.

November is packed with family fun. Make sure to take some time to play, connect, and enjoy the season together.

11/10/2025

Have you noticed your toddler bouncing, clapping, or singing along to a song? Music isn’t just fun, it’s a powerful tool for early development!

From boosting language and speech skills to building social, motor, and emotional growth, simple music activities at home can make a big difference. Sing during routines, clap along, dance around, or explore household “instruments” together—every little interaction supports learning. Curious if your child is on track? Encompass offers free developmental screenings for children 0–3 years old, helping families know when extra support could be helpful.

Read our blog to learn more and find simple ways to use music to support your child’s growth:

Music builds language, motor, and social skills in young children. Discover how everyday songs can support early development and growth.

11/08/2025

Food Resources for Barnes County residents…..

11/07/2025

Busy mornings, homework, fall activities... it's easy for nutrition to take a back seat during the school season. But the truth is, a well-balanced diet matters more than ever for growing minds and bodies, and meal prepping can go a long way! 🍒🥕🥩🍳

Here’s why it counts:
1. Brain Development Starts Early: Proper nutrition during the first years of life sets the foundation for lifelong learning. Missing key nutrients can stunt cognitive growth.
2. Supports Growth, Immunity, Focus: Healthy foods boost brain power, support physical development, and keep immune systems strong.
3. Nutrient Powerhouses: Foods rich in omega-3s (like fish), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), iron, zinc, and B-vitamins are key for focus, memory, and mood.

11/07/2025

📢 SNAP Update: Partial November Benefits
Some North Dakotans will receive a partial November SNAP benefit as early as Nov. 7, following federal court orders related to the 2025 federal government shutdown.
➡️ This applies only to November SNAP benefits.
➡️ The amount each household receives is based on federal recalculations.
➡️ One- and two-person households will continue to receive at least the minimum benefit required by law.
💳 Check your EBT balance at ebtedge.com, through the ebtEDGE app, or by calling 1-800-630-4655.
🔹 Learn more or find resources: hhs.nd.gov/snap-faqs
🔹 Find help or ways to help: ndresponse.gov/shutdownresources

More information: https://hhsnd.site/SNAP

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

Around 30 months, many little ones begin recognizing and matching 3–4 colors, a fun and exciting sign of growing brain power and visual learning! 💡

If your child is sorting blocks by color or proudly pointing out their “blue cup,” that’s a great step in their development. Every child moves at their own pace, but tracking milestones like this can help you see how your little one is learning and exploring the world. Not sure if your child is meeting milestones? Encompass Family Support Services offers free developmental screenings to help you learn more about their progress, and celebrate every colorful step along the way. 💕

11/03/2025

Did you know Encompass has a newsletter packed with resources for parents, local events, and tips to support your child’s development? 💌📣 Sign up today and never miss helpful ideas, family activities, or expert guidance delivered straight to your inbox!

Sign up here: https://www.encompassfss.net/newsletter-signup

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from Encompass Family Support Services!

Halloween is full of costumes, candy, and plenty of excitement for little ones. As you celebrate, remember it is also a great time to connect with your child through play and creativity. Whether it is practicing new words while trick or treating, building fine motor skills while decorating pumpkins, or simply enjoying family time together, these moments support development in fun ways.

Stay safe, enjoy the spooky fun, and make some memories with your little pumpkins tonight. 🍬🎃👻

10/29/2025

This fall favorite is fun, festive, and family-friendly! Using WIC-approved ingredients like black beans, corn, rice, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and bell peppers, this recipe turns dinner into a playful experience. Cut the peppers like a jack-o’-lantern, fill them up, bake, and enjoy!

What makes it extra great:
🎃 Packed with protein and veggies for growing bodies
🌶️ Encourages toddlers to try new flavors and textures
🎃 Simple to prepare (even during busy weeknights)

Curious to try it out? Find the full recipe here: https://www.groceryservicesnorth.com/2023/10/halloween-stuffed-peppers/

10/27/2025

At around 21 months, little ones are mastering some big moves. They might carry a favorite teddy bear while walking, creep backward down the stairs, or even climb up and down furniture. These everyday adventures help build strength, balance, and confidence—while keeping parents on their toes!

Curious if your child is hitting their milestones? You can request a free screening here: https://www.encompassfss.net/early-intervention-screening