5.5.1
Home Visits
In order to meet performance standard requirements, Child Development Staff (Teachers) must visit each family of children enrolled in center-based programs twice per program year – once at the beginning of the year and again at the end of the year.
These are referred to as the “First Home Visit” and the “Final Home Visit”. Teachers may also schedule additional “Family Visits” with the family during the course of the program year if needed.
Teachers should plan home visits in conjunction with the Family Worker whenever possible.
The First Home Visit
The First Home Visit is essentially a continuation of the family orientation. It is a time for Teachers to review the program and complete paperwork on an individual basis. The First Home Visit is an excellent opportunity to see the child and family in their home environment and to begin to individualize and gain an understanding of the family culture.
The First Home Visit is best when held after Family Orientation has taken place and before the program year begins. If you’re unable to complete the First Home Visit by the first day of school, you have 45 days to get it done.
During the First Home Visit, complete the “Items to be Reviewed with ALL families” portion of First Home Visit Form. Check off each item listed on the form as they are discussed during the visit and document any site-specific information and family information shared during the visit.
The following items are discussed at the First Home Visit:
- Family Portrait
- Children’s Bathroom Policy
- Family of the Week or Family Album
- Parent Child Activity Record – homework and observations
- Newsletters
- Screeners and Assessments
- ASQ-SE Screener
- School Readiness Goals
- Site-specific information
- Individual family information
*The above forms/documents are available under the SOP 30/45/60/90 Day
Because there are additional items discussed with the family at orientation, if they missed orientation, review the second part of the First Home Visit form entitled, “Items to be reviewed for families that did Not attend orientation” and discuss those items with the family during the First Home Visit. Be sure to allow extra time during the visit to discuss these additional items.
The First Home Visit should last for approximately one hour, but may be longer if needed (e.g. they didn’t attend family orientation).
At the end of the visit, the Teacher, Parent, Family Worker (if present) and Bilingual Aide (if present) must sign the completed First Home Visit form. After the visit, file the completed form in the child’s file under the Education section.
Important Notes:
- Prior to the visit determine if an interpreter (Bilingual Aide) is needed.
- Take a toy or activity with you to “break the ice” and to occupy the child while you are talking with the parent.
- Remember to document reason for no contact, attempts made, or cancellations on Education Purple Cover Sheet. Staff will attempt to conduct the home visit three times, if contact cannot be made than staff will complete the ASQ SE and try to contact the family over the phone or at the center to share and gather information. All attempts must be documented.
The Final Home Visit
The purpose of the Final Home Visit is to bring closure to the Head Start experience, reflect on child’s progress, and to discuss transition services with family.
During the Final Home Visit, discuss the items listed on the Final Home Visit Form. Check off each item listed on the form as they are discussed during the visit and document any site-specific information and family information shared during the visit.
The following items are listed on the Final Home Visit form:
- Complete (Develop) Individual Transition Plan (if not completed at second Parent/Teacher Conference)
- Discuss upcoming Head Start closure events
- Share summer ideas for continuation on goals and to help with transition
- Kindergarten Transition Packet (for children transitioning to kindergarten who did not previously receive the packet for round-up)
- Share the Portfolio with the Family and discuss the developmental progress
- Review and distribute the most current DRDP Individual Child Detail Report with the family
- Raising a Reader Bags
- Site-specific information
- Individual family information
At the end of the visit, the Teacher, Parent, Family Worker (if present) and Bilingual Aide (if present) must sign the completed Final Home Visit form. After the visit, file the completed form in the child’s file under the Education section.
Important Notes:
- The Final Home Visit should be 30 minutes in length according to the parent’s needs.
- Prior to the visit, determine if an interpreter (Bilingual Aide) is needed.
- Remember to document reason for no contact, attempts made, or cancellations on Education Purple Cover Sheet.
Family Visits
In some cases, additional “Family Visits” may be needed during the course of the program year. For example, a child is unable to attend the center for a period of time due to a medical condition.
Family Visits are held during this time, at which the Teacher completes the Family Visit Form
References
- First Home Visit – English/Spanish
- Final Home Visit – English/Spanish
- Family Visit Form –English/Spanish