Part A: Focus of the Program

Children’s Skills

The program will focus on enhancing early childhood development by targeting cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor skills. Activities will be designed to stimulate curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.

Parent-Child Interaction

A core component of the program is strengthening the parent-child bond. Activities will be structured to encourage responsive parenting, nurturing, and positive interactions. Parents will be guided on how to create stimulating learning environments at home.

Theory of Change

The program is grounded in the understanding that children’s development is significantly influenced by their early experiences and interactions with caregivers. By providing parents with knowledge, skills, and support, we aim to create nurturing home environments that optimize children’s growth and development.

Part B: Policy of Family Participation

Expected Interactions

• Active engagement: Parents are expected to participate actively in all program activities.
• Open communication: Parents are encouraged to share their child’s progress, challenges, and questions with the home visitor.
• Collaboration: Parents and home visitors will work together to develop individualized support plans for the child.
• Consistency: Parents are expected to implement program activities consistently between home visits.

Part C: Program Implementation and Evaluation

Home Visits

• Frequency: Weekly visits during the initial phase, gradually decreasing to bi-weekly or monthly as parents gain confidence.
• Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes per visit.
• Who to visit: The primary caregiver, usually the mother, but other family members can be involved as needed.

Evaluation

• Impact on children: Observe children’s developmental milestones, assess language and cognitive skills, and track social-emotional growth.
• Impact on parents: Measure changes in parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices through surveys and interviews.
• Program effectiveness: Evaluate overall program outcomes by comparing children’s development to similar children not in the program.

Preventing Attrition

• Building relationships: Establish strong rapport with families through regular communication and support.
• Flexibility: Adapt program activities to meet the changing needs of families.
• Addressing barriers: Identify and address obstacles to program participation, such as transportation or childcare.
• Celebrating successes: Recognize and acknowledge family achievements to boost motivation.

Keeping Parents Active

• Involve parents in planning: Allow parents to share their goals and priorities for their child’s development.
• Provide choices: Offer a variety of activities and resources to cater to different interests.
• Positive reinforcement: Offer praise and encouragement for parents’ efforts.
• Peer support: Create opportunities for parents to connect with other program participants.

Part D: Structure of a 40-Minute Home Visit

• Warm-up (5 minutes): Greet the family, engage in casual conversation, and observe the home environment.
• Child-focused activities (20 minutes): Implement planned activities targeting cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor skills. Encourage parent-child interaction.
• Parenting education (10 minutes): Provide information or guidance on topics such as child development, discipline, or nutrition.
• Wrap-up (5 minutes): Summarize key points, answer questions, and schedule the next visit.

By following these guidelines, a home-based program can effectively support children’s development and empower parents to be active partners in their child’s education.