TEXAS HOME VISITING
The Wichita County Texas Home Visiting program matches parents with trained and experienced home visitors, whose sole responsibility is to provide education and support to families they serve. Your home visitor can answer questions about parenting and pregnancy. They can also help you get connected with local resources and services that help you care for yourself and your children.
In Wichita County, we offer programs that are proven to support families from pregnancy until the time the child enters kindergarten. All programs are nationally ranked and evidenced based with a goal of showing parents how to become their child’s first teacher.
The three programs currently being offered in Wichita County are: Nurse Family Partnership (NFP), Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), and Parents as Teachers (PAT).
Nurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership is a program that helps first-time mothers succeed. When you enroll, a specially trained nurse will visit you during your pregnancy and until your baby turns 2 years old. As a first-time mom, you most likely have a ton of questions. That’s why Nurse-Family Partnership starts working with you before you have your child. From helping you have a healthy pregnancy, to teaching you about child development, to encouraging you to complete your goals, your nurse home visitor will always be there for you so that you can be there for your baby.
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers, or PAT, is for any family expecting a child or with children up to kindergarten age (age 5 or 6). PAT teaches parents about child development and gives parenting support. PAT helps to ensure that young children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The program includes one-on-one home visits, monthly group meetings, developmental testing, and a resource network for families.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, or HIPPY, is for families with children ages 3, 4, or 5. HIPPY helps prepare children for school and beyond and believes that all parents want what’s best for their children. Each week a home instructor will work with you on that week’s activities. Activities are focused on reading, counting, learning colors, and other ways to get your child ready for kindergarten. HIPPY helps parents be their children’s first teachers by giving them the tools, skills, and confidence they need to work with their children in the home.
Is It For Me?
Home visiting is great for anyone who is expecting a child or raising a child who has not started kindergarten yet. Home visiting is a great resource for those who are:
Expecting a child.
Parents of children who have not yet started kindergarten and includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, and other caregivers.
In need of extra support with raising multiple children.
In need of support getting their child ready for school.
In the military or need help with getting back together after being apart.
There are other home visiting programs across the state that are proven to help good people be great parents.
