Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network Arizona Head Start T/TA Office Summer Webinar Series: Home Visiting: Part Two Tina Sykes, M.Ed Infant/Toddler Specialist Head Start State-Based T/TA Office for Arizona

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 2 Objectives Participants will: explore essential elements of a home visit discuss ways to structure home visits in order to meet the needs of both the parent and the child understand the importance of linking home visits to socializations learn strategies to stay safe while home visiting gain concrete tools to help reduce stress

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 3 Agenda Re-visiting Home Visiting: Part One Essential Elements of Home Visiting Structuring Your Visit Linking Home Visits to Socializations Home Visitor Safety and Self Care

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 4 Let’s re-visit… Home visiting is an early childhood intervention that can enhance parenting and promote the growth and development of young children

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 5 Re-visit continued… Home Visiting –Uses the home environment to help parents create rich learning opportunities for their children –Provides support to families whose life circumstances may prevent them from participating in a more structured setting –Is flexible and offers support and child development information to families on their schedule –Offers accessibility to families who live in rural communities and who otherwise would not be able to receive services

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 6 Performance Standards Review Home based program option –(b)... Home visitors must conduct the home visit with the participation of parents. Home visits may not be conducted by the home visitor with only babysitters or other temporary caregivers in attendance. –(1) The purpose of the home visit is to help parents improve their parenting skills and to assist them in the use of the home as the child's primary learning environment. –(2) Home visits must, over the course of a month, contain elements of all Head Start program components.

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 7 Frequency and duration of home visits In the home based program option, each family receives a minimum of one 90 minute visit per week regardless of how many children are enrolled in that family In the center based option, parents are encouraged to participate in two home visits annually for each child enrolled Home visits that are cancelled by program staff must be rescheduled to meet the required number of yearly home visits

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 8 Home Visiting is a PARTNERSHIP Successful home visiting requires a partnership between the visitor and the family That partnership begins with the home visitor developing a professional relationship with the Head Start family.

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 9 FAB FIVE Fundamentals of Relationship Building Boundaries Empathic Listening Honesty Respect Consistency

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 10 Boundaries “Boundaries are the framework within which the worker/client relationship occurs. Boundaries make the relationship professional and safe for the client and set the parameters within which services are delivered.” (College of Psychologists of Ontario, 1998)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 11 Empathic Listening “Empathy is the ability to project oneself into the personality of another person in order to better understand that person’s emotions or feelings. Through empathic listening, the listener lets the speaker know, I understand your problem and how you feel about it. I am interested in what you are saying and I am not judging you.” (Salem, 2003)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 12 Honesty Honesty is stating an emotionally neutral description of what’s really happening in a particular situation. (Michael H. Smith, Ph.D.)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 13 Respect Respect is an attitude of acknowledging the feelings and interests of another party in a relationship. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 14 Consistency Not varying; always behaving or happening in a similar, especially positive way. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 15 Essential Elements of Home Visiting Supporting child development Recognizing parents as their child’s first teacher Capitalizing on learning opportunities in the home environment

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 16 Supporting Child Development Home visitors must: Focus on the child Prioritize child development experiences Use the developmental screening & assessment process to individualize services Individualize curricula Establish partnerships to serve children with disabilities

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 17 Recognizing Parents as their child’s first and most important teacher Supporting parents and nurturing their child’s learning and development is the primary focus of home visiting Parents are best able to provide support to their children when their own needs are met

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 18 Capitalizing on learning opportunities in the home environment Using the setting in which children and families spend the majority of their time Emphasizing how everyday routines provide meaningful opportunities for children to build on their developmental skills Helping parents understand home experiences can enhance learning and encouraging them to re- create learning experiences daily

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 19 Let’s Play… Infants and toddlers learn best: In the context of relationships with their parents and caregivers Through play and active exploration of their environment

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 20 Using household items to support learning

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 21 Using household items to support learning Mirrors

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 22 Using household items to support learning Tupperware

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 23 Using household items to support learning Empty Tissue Boxes

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 24 Using household items to support learning Soft Scarves

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 25 Using household items to support learning Laundry Baskets

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 26 Using household items to support learning The most important household item… PARENTS/CAREGIVERS

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 27 Structuring your home visit Each home visit should last 90 minutes and include: 1)Warm and Positive Greeting ( 5 minutes) 2)Follow up/Review/Check in (10 minutes) 3)Focus on Family Issues (15 minutes) 4)Parent-Child Interaction Activities (45 minutes) 5)Co-Planning/Paperwork (10 minutes) 6)Evaluation/ Good-bye (5 minutes)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 28 Structuring your home visit Babies Can’t Wait: 4 Step Home Visit Model 1)Greeting (10-15 minutes) 2)Parent Time (20-30 minutes) 3)Parent-Child Activity (20-30 minutes) 4)Planning for Next Time (10-15 minutes)

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 29 Home Visits and Socializations The home based model includes GROUP SOCIALIZATIONS Programs must offer a minimum of 2 socializations a month

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 30 Group Socializations Group socializations provide parents the opportunity to: Obtain additional feedback about their child’s interests, strengths, needs and resources Observe their children Share and learn from others about the challenges and joys of parenting

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 31 Linking Home Visits to Socializations The socialization experiences support the goals established during the home visits The Family Partnership Agreement must include the specific roles of parents in socializations and home visits [45 CFR (a) (2)]

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 32 Linking Home Visits to Socializations Connect the home visits with socialization experiences so that they build on family goals and are meaningful to participants

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 33 Let’s link…. 4 Steps to linking home visits to socializations 1)Actions taking during the home visits 2)Planning for socializations with other EHS staff 3)Actions during the socializations 4)Actions after the socializations

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 34 Staying safe as a home visitor Taking care of YOU What are some ways you maintain your safety while home visiting?

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 35 Self Protective Measures for Workers Assess the dangers BEFORE meeting with the family Inform supervisor and/or co-workers about home visiting plans Use formal/informal “buddy system” Follow home visiting safety guidelines Learn appropriate self-defense strategies

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 36 This is hard work… Home visiting can sometimes be stressful. What are some ways you manage stress in your life?

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 37 Dance like nobody’s watching…

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 38 Key Stress Management Tools Check your expectations. Are they realistic? Do you recognize your limits? Check your motives. Are you setting yourself up for frustration? Examine your boundaries. Many warning signs are red flags for boundary problems. Be forgiving of yourself if your boundaries have slipped and talk to your supervisor.

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 39 Key Stress Management Tools Ask yourself what this works brings up for you. Use supervision time to explore personal feelings about the work. Acknowledge your own needs. In order to have compassion for others, you must have compassion for yourself. You must believe it’s ok to make mistakes. Spend time with co-workers. Network with others in your profession. Find sources of personal support such as family and friends.

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 40 Top 3 Stress Management Tools 1)Remember we are only responsible for facilitating change. The family is responsible for making change. 2)Replenish yourself and cultivate an identity that includes more than just work. 3)Redefine the meaning of success.

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 41 Let’s sum it up… There are 3 essential elements of home visiting Home visitors should encourage the use of materials in the natural environment Be intentional when structuring home visits and linking home visits to socializations Take care of YOU!

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 42 When you hang up the phone… Here are some things to consider: Am I structuring my home visits to meet the needs of both the parents and the children? If not, what do I need to change? How am I supporting families in identifying safe appropriate learning materials for their children? Am I consistently linking home visits to socializations? What is my personal safety plan? Am I seeking and receiving the support I need in order to effectively serve families?

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 43 Final Thought…. The role of the Home Visitor is as a:  facilitator NOT director  coach NOT teacher  supporter NOT evaluator PARTNER WITH PARENTS ~ Linda Kimura, Babies Can’t Wait

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 44 The Arizona Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Office and STG International thank you for joining our webinar today! Please continue to join the 2010 Summer Webinar Series occurring every Tuesday and Thursday during the months of June and July at 3:00 Pacific Daylight Time. Please contact Mary Kramer Reinwasser at for more information. 44

Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 45 Any Questions?