Home visitors partnering with parents and caregivers to best meet the unique needs of each family
We work with families to:
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Build on the strengths of your whole family
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Support your parenting skills
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Support early learning for your child
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Provide information on topics including self care, how your child will grow and develop, how to manage your child’s challenging behaviors, keeping your child safe and feeding and nutrition for you and your child.
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Review you and your family’s needs and provide education and referrals to services and resources if necessary.
“I really like being part of this program. My nurse has helped me grow and become the mom I am today. She’s great!” - Strong Families Vermont Mom
If you are interested in participating in a home visiting programs, ask your child’s provider for a referral, or call Help Me Grow at 211 extension 6, and ask for home visiting support.
Vermont supports three evidence-based home visiting models:
Strong Families Vermont Nurse Home Visiting is a free, voluntary program that provides you with a nurse dedicated to you and your family’s questions and needs beginning in pregnancy or soon after birth. Nurse home visitors meet you at home, at the park, or wherever feels right. The nurse addresses questions and offers guidance about your infant’s health, developmental play and care needs. The nurse supports your parenting journey despite life’s challenges and will help you get connected to other resource and networks in your community. It’s flexible, take a step and ask your health care provider for a referral or call Help Me Grow at 211 extension 6 and ask about home visiting to get started.
“My nurse was absolutely amazing, I wish I could keep her! She made me feel more confident as a first-time mom.”
Internationally, this program is known as Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home Visiting (MECSH).
Strong Families Vermont Family Support Home Visiting Program is a free home visiting program for families with children through the age of 5. A family support home visitor will meet with you at home, in the park, or wherever you like. The focus is on your child's development and understanding your family’s needs and goals so your home visitor can support your whole family. Through your home visitor you'll gain access to knowledge and resources on parenting and community supports.
Nationally, this program is known as Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Head Start and Early Head Start give young children from at-risk backgrounds the skills they need to be successful in school and life. The Head Start and Early Head Start home-based option offers a full range of services to children and families right in their own home. Home visitors come once a week and partner with parents to help their child learn using parent-child interactions, daily routines, and household materials. A small group of children, parents, and their home visitors also come together monthly for group socializations.
If you are a provider looking to refer a family, visit the Resources for Educators and Providers page for more information.