Welcome to Our In Home Parenting Support Programs!
(Babies First!/Parents as Teachers & CaCoon)
Babies are born to learn and you are your child’s first and most influential teacher. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs around — and one for which a bit of training and support can come in handy for every parent. By choosing to participate in our Babies First!/Parents As Teachers or CaCoon home visiting program, you have already shown a desire to invest in your child and in forming a strong foundation for his/her success in school and in later life. Well done!
Our home-visiting programs are designed to offer developmental information and support to all parents of infants, children, and young adults. Our goal is to help you become as independent as possible in caring for your child; access needed resources; identify ways to maximize your child’s potential; and link you to family-friendly events in our county. We will partner with you in several ways to help your child reach his/her potential:
1. Personal Visits. During a personal visit, we’ll share information about your child’s development, bring age-appropriate activities that you can do with your child, and help you become better observers of your child’s play and development. You can share your Parenting/Caregiving concerns and any questions you might have. Visits are usually conducted in your home, making it a convenient and safe place for you and your child. Visits generally last about 1 hour.
2. Group Connections. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, learn and share parenting tips, find out what is going on in the community that you may be interested in participating in, and let your child play with others in a safe environment.
3. Screenings. Screenings provide an opportunity for you to see where your child’s progress fits in with standardized measures of child development. Health, hearing, dental, and vision screenings are also provided in the comfort of your own home. Screenings highlight the strengths and abilities of your child. If possible delays are identified that may affect future learning, your home visitor can provide you with specific activities to address the lagging area and/or seek a referral to the appropriate resource for follow-up.
4. Resource Networking. Your home visitor is knowledgeable and skilled at accessing community and other resources that you and your family may be eligible to receive. Referrals are individualized based on your needs and interests and are intended to support and enrich your family.
Benefits of Participation:
- Partner with a team consisting of a Public Health Nurse and/or Community Health Worker
- Understand how you are your child’s first and most important teacher
- Have fun playing with your child using age-appropriate activities and materials.
- Develop routines with your child, set and maintain limits, and structure the environment for lifelong success
- Increase understanding about your child’s developing brain and how to take advantage of the periods of development when different parts of the brain are most rapidly developing
- Have opportunities to meet other parents
- Become a stronger advocate for your child’s health and needs
- Learn how to navigate through the healthcare and social service systems
- Increase awareness of community resources
- Celebrate your child and family’s strengths
- Identify and achieve mutually agreed-upon goals