Family Links

(269) 539-5214 • www.vbisd.org • Facebook: Van Buren ISD Family Links

A free program for ALL Van Buren County families prenatal up to 5 years of age. You will get your very own PAT® certified family educator as a personal resource for these free services:

Home Visits:

• Fun parent-child learning activities
• Child development information
• Learning child milestones & how to help your child meet them
• Ideas on new parenting strategies
• Someone that listens, understands & offers advice and ideas

Parent-Child Groups:

• Free play for children to practice social-emotional skills
• Time for parents to connect
• Story time
• Songs and movement time
• Fun parent-child activities
• Free book monthly to build your own library

Screenings and Assessments:

• Development
• Hearing
• Vision
• Health

Community Services:

• Links to community resources
• Connection with local schools
• Early childhood newsletters
• Birthday Book Club
• Developmental Newsletters

Early On® Michigan

(800) 327-5966 • 1800EarlyOn.org • facebook.com/EarlyOnMichigan

Visit 1800EarlyOn.org to locate information and resources about your child’s development. If you are concerned about how your child is growing and developing, Don’t worry, but don’t wait. You may make a referral by completing an online form at 1800EarlyOn.org or by calling (800) 327-5966. After the referral, your local Early On will contact you for free screening or evaluation to see if your child is eligible for services.

Free Developmental Screening also available online at www.greatstart-vanburen.org. Click on ASQ link. (Available to residents in the Van Buren ISD School Districts).

Early Head Start Home Based

(269) 539-7217 • (800) 792-0366 • Located inside HOPE Parent Resource Center (901 S. Bailey Ave., Suite 1)

Early on Head Start Home Based works with pregnant moms and families who have infants and toddlers age 0-3 years. They partner with famlies to get their little ones ready for school!

What is Early Head Start?

Early Head Start:

• Recognizes that partnering with families supports parents as they advocate for their child and family.
• Listens to parents and collects their written observations as to how their infant/toddler learns best.
• Partners with families on weekly home visits to plan activities to do with your child during Socialization.
• Works closely with parents on goals they have set for their infant/toddler regarding their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
• Provides services for children with disabilities.
• Assists pregnant women to receive prenatal and postpartum care.

Program Eligibility (*High Priority)

• Based on Income, but only on it!
• Famililies receiving cash assistance*
• Homeless or foster children*
• Children with disabilities*

Space is limited! Call to enroll, accepting pregnant moms, infants and toddlers.

Home Based Expectant Mothers Program

(269) 657-2581 • www.tricountyhs.org

Have you thought about what your baby might be feeling in the womb, different times of the day?

You and your home visitor will discuss prenatal reading – when to read, who can read, and what to read.

How do you want your baby to feel about themselves or gain self-esteem? 

You and your home visitor will talk about how you can help your baby develop protective factors to help gain self-esteem.

You and your Home Visitor will discuss ways to get your baby’s brain ready for learning when they arrive.

Home visits include:

• Discussing topics according to your trimester.
• Sharing research-based information.
• Making props that help introduce “Prenatal Daily Do’s.”
• Check-ins to see if you are experiencing depression.
• Developing family goals and goals for your baby.
• Supporting you at the earliest stage of parenthood.