Parent-Child Home Program

The Parent-Child Home Program is one of the most intensive home visiting programs in the country. Twice weekly home visits provide new books, educational toys and activities to families with preschool children. Home Visitors role model for parents how to appropriately use the program materials with their children to promote verbal interaction, parent-child bonding and school readiness.

2011-2012 Program Outcomes

  • 11,930 home visits were conducted with 333 families.
  • 4,060 books and toys were distributed.
  • 100 percent of families increased positive verbal interaction.
  • 100 percent of children increased positive behaviors.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Emily started the Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) at 26 months of age. On the initial visit with Emily’s mother, the PCHP Site Coordinator noticed how shy and dependent Emily was. The Site Coordinator also observed how overwhelmed the mother appeared to be due to significant family responsibilities - in particular, a son with complex special needs and little expectations for his success in school.

As Emily progressed in the PCHP, she began showing enjoyment and enthusiasm for the home sessions. She particularly liked the music and art activities. Emily’s mother also began reading to her at bedtime.

As the PCHP welcomes the siblings of clients, Emily’s older brother, Oliver, became a regular participant during the twice weekly visits provided by the PCHP Home Visitor from The Guatemalan-Maya Center. At the age of four, his development did not appear to be any more advanced than Emily’s. Their mother shared concerns that her son would be dependent upon her all of his life.

After one year in the program, both Emily and Oliver have displayed great improvement in their communication and social skills. Emily now attends a child care program and her teachers report that she is flourishing as a result of the Parent-Child Home Program. Oliver also just began school and is certainly more prepared for kindergarten by having been exposed to the PCHP. His mother now says that she has more hope for her son’s potential for learning and is grateful that the Parent-Child Home Program has made such a great difference in her family.

 

The Parent-Child Home Program is coordinated by the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County through the sponsorship of Children's Services Council and in partnership with:

  • ASPIRA of Florida, Inc.
  • The Guatemalan-Maya Center, Inc.
  • Minority Development & Empowerment Inc.
  • NOAH, Inc.