United Ability - First Teacher Home Visiting Program

First Teacher Home Visiting Program is a program of United Ability for children and families that promotes successful child development and family effectiveness. The program Is for children, age birth to five, who have a diagnosed disability or have certain factors that put them at risk for developmental delay. The program also provides services to women who are pregnant who could benefit from parenting training. First Teacher provides services that can either supplement what is provided in Early Intervention and preschool, or services that can stand alone for children currently receiving no supports. Parent Educators provide home visits, assessments, training and support for families in their daily interactions with their child. The program is offered at no charge to families. It offers monthly group connections that include parent education and a parent-child activity for learning and networking. Developmental and health screenings are also conducted to increase early detection of developmental and/or health issues. Early literacy is encouraged through book sharing at every visit. Program goals include the following: 1. Children birth to five and their families will be supported in having a more integrated lifestyle within their community. 2. Families will feel less stress in caring for their child(ren). 3. Families of children O to 5 years will increase knowledge of their child's emerging development and of typical child development. 4. Families will develop new skills in caring for their child, parenting practices and parent-child relationships. 5. Families will receive training in their defined roles and on topics related to parenting and family functioning.