What is the Home Visiting Program?
At HRC Calaveras Head Start/State Preschool we believe that parent(s) are the most important influence in the education and development of their children. The basic purpose of the Home Visiting Program is to build and strengthen parents' skills in identifying and meeting the needs of their children and families.

Approach:
The Home Visiting approach operates on the premise that parents are their child's first teacher. With support from the home visitor, parents receive up-to-date information regarding children's growth and development, and how to provide experiences that support the child's growth. Parents are also encouraged to develop family and individual goals, and receive information about community resources. As part of the home visiting program, parents are encouraged to bring their children to playgroups that are offered throughout the county.

How This Is Done?
Each family enrolled in the Home Visiting program meets weekly with their home visitor. Together the parent(s) and home visitor discusses plans and carry out learning activities within the home. The major focus is on reinforcing the parent's role as their child's first teacher. Parents must be present during all home visits, the home visits can be conducted even if the child is not present.

PLAYGROUPS

Group experiences are an important part of a child's development. With that in mind HRC Calaveras Head Start/State Preschool offers several opportunities each month for children (ages birth to 5 years old) to come together to socialize and build relationships.

Each month playgroups are offered in West Point, San Andreas, Angels Camp, and Valley Springs. Each playgroup provides a variety of activities and experiences for children and their parents, a snack is provided and community resource information is available.

Playgroups are made possible with funding provided through grants from the federal government and First 5 Calaveras.

For dates and locations, please check the HRC Calendar www.hrchs.org or call 209-772-3980.

PRENATAL HOME VISITING SERVICES

At HRC Calaveras Head Start/State Preschool we believe that every pregnancy is a unique experience. Regardless of whether this is your first, third or tenth pregnancy, you probably have questions during the pregnancy or after the delivery. Having access to a home visitor gives moms another resource to discuss questions and obtain resources. Having knowledge empowers expectant moms to make informed choices throughout pregnancy and after.

Home visitors conducting prenatal home visits provide education with the Beginnings Pregnancy Guide, the Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum, and other professional resources as appropriate. Information covered includes fetal development, healthy practices, normal body changes, nutrition, explanation of and need for prenatal care, post partum depression and mother/infant bonding. Assistance is provided to the mom and her family in accessing needed resources such as prenatal care, dental checkups, nutrition, housing, mental health intervention, car seats and childcare options in the county.

GROUP SOCIALS FOR PREGNANT MOMS & INFANTS UNDER 12 MONTHS

HRC Calaveras Head Start/State Preschool offers monthly group socials for pregnant mothers and infants less than 12 months of age. Group socials are held the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in Education Room #1 at Mark Twain/St. Josephs Hospital (located in the back of the hospital). This is a great opportunity to meet new people, have your baby weighed, receive breastfeeding information and support, gain new information and above all have fun!

For more information, contact Wendy at 772-3980.