Arizona Head Start TTA Office Summer Webinar Series

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

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

Performance Standards Review • 1306. 33 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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 recreate learning experiences daily Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

Structuring your home visit Each home visit should last 90 minutes and include: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Warm and Positive Greeting ( 5 minutes) Follow up/Review/Check in (10 minutes) Focus on Family Issues (15 minutes) Parent-Child Interaction Activities (45 minutes) Co-Planning/Paperwork (10 minutes) 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 27

Structuring your home visit Babies Can’t Wait: 4 Step Home Visit Model www. babiescantwait. com 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 28

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 29

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 30

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 1340. 40 (a) (2)] 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 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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

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 36

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 37

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 38

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 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

Final Thought…. The role of the Home Visitor is as a: Øfacilitator NOT director Øcoach NOT teacher Øsupporter 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 43

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 mary. reinwasser@stginternational. com for more information. Head Start State-based T/TA Office for Arizona A member of the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network 44

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