Extra help available for parents
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Babies don’t come with a manual. And those lucky people who are “naturals” at baby care and child raising often find that they can still learn a thing or two, since scientists doing early brain development research are coming up with new and amazing information about how babies’ brains develop. This research is showing that the first five years are incredibly important, because brains are wired in relation to what they are (or are not) exposed to. Witnessing domestic violence, for instance, can have a life-long negative effect on a child, as their developing brains respond and react to what they are seeing. On the other hand, simply being read to as an infant can have a huge positive impact on a child’s development.
Partially in response to this new research, the federal government has funded a program called the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Visiting Program, or MIECHV, so that our nation’s babies can have the best start in life possible.
Here in Lake County and on the Flathead Reservation, we use the Parents as Teachers (PAT) evidence-based home visiting program for pregnant moms and parents of children up to kindergarten entry. Each program has specific eligibility guidelines, and a quick call to either the Public Health Department at (406) 883-7292 or CSKT Social Services at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1214, will let you know if you qualify for home visiting.
The PAT philosophy is that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers, and since it is one of the most important and challenging jobs a person can do, a little extra guidance can be very helpful. This is where home visitors, also known as parent educators, come in. The parent educator is there to not only provide information on child development, but also can be a resource for the entire family, as they have a wealth of information and knowledge about appropriate referrals to other services in our area.
Typically the visits take place every two weeks (although weekly visits may also be scheduled) and last for approximately one hour. Each visit the parent educator brings age-appropriate activities for the parents and children, often using objects that are around the house, such as measuring cups or laundry baskets. Parent educators can also do vision, hearing and developmental screenings – research has shown that if problems/delays are caught early, their effects can often be minimized or even eliminated. In addition, often books and other resources are provided to families free of charge.
Sometimes reluctance to allow someone new into one’s home is a barrier. Rest assured that the PAT team is not the “housekeeping posse.” Our focus of the time spent together is on you and your child’s interactions as well as the child’s growth and development. But if a parent prefers, we can meet at another location that is more comfortable. And our monthly Community Connections (see listings in the Calendar elsewhere in this paper) are a great way to meet staff. Another option is to ask for a “sample visit” before you actually decide whether or not you want ongoing visits. We have found that once parents “try us out,” both they and their little one(s) are likely to enjoy the experience and want to continue with the visits.
At this point, both the Lake County and the CSKT PAT programs have openings – but that may not always be the case. Your kids are only young once, and this may be an opportunity just too good to pass up.
