News and Events

When the crisis unfolded, staff members were uncertain how their work would adapt and support families virtually. Home visitors are now connecting with all families by phone and tele-health platforms; Families Learning Together Program participants are connecting virtually with their teachers for online learning and parenting support; playgroups are being held virtually through Zoom and Facebook groups offer online socialization for parents and children; therapy services have transitioned to tele-health sessions; child care families join together for online music classes; and so much more is continuing using virtual meeting technology, including the potential for our Child Advocacy Centers and the Windsor County Unit for Special Investigations to offer forensic interviews. Our Child Care Financial Assistance Program (also known as child care subsidy) and Child Care Referral is busy connecting essential workers with care for their children.

From our Children’s Integrated Services (CIS) home visitors, we are hearing many stories of children thriving despite the stress during these uncertain times.

“The children who are very shy are benefiting immensely. We are seeing progress and gains in children who normally it would have taken at least 1-2 months to make the same progress if we were delivering sessions in person. One child yesterday, vocalized more from Mom’s lap than I have heard him speak in the last three months. He was confident and smiling… I get to connect with the child in his home where he is most comfortable. In addition to this, I am able to connect with his mother more than ever! This is a crucial time for parents to hear that they are doing a wonderful job, and we get the opportunity to provide that. I’m so thankful!”

Food delivery with all the ingredients for corn chowder

Families look forward to the phone “visits” with their family support home visitor, who talk with families to see how they’re doing and if they have essential items like food and diapers. Families are provided with resources, such as diaper bank and food shelf hours. For the families without transportation, staff have made deliveries of diapers and food. Home visitors have been creating, at families’ requests, sample schedules tailored to their needs that may benefit them during this time of chaos. These schedules are helpful to encourage structure and routine at this time, when some families feel they are up to their necks in stress and dysfunction.

“I’m able to continue supporting families in the goals they’ve made. For example, one mom I’m working with, is struggling with age appropriate nutrition for her toddler. We’ve been able to make a meal plan over the phone, a sleeping and eating schedule and a grocery list.” ~ Family Support Home Visitor

Fun activities for families at home

Across all programs, staff have been sharing with families information about virtual activities for their children. Child Care staff have stayed connected with families, and a Facebook group is active with photo exchanges of fun activities at home. In addition to our virtual playgroups held weekly on Zoom, we have been posting virtual events and activity ideas to our new “TFP Playgroup at Home” Facebook group. Parents have been sharing comments and pictures of what they are doing to keep kids busy! For our Zoom playgroups, several have been held with multiple families participating each time.

“This has been fun and uplifting for both the families and for me! The children have been curious about seeing other people’s faces on the screen. They have smiled, laughed and even brought over toys and puzzles to show. Zoom playgroup seems to be helpful particularly for the adults. We chat and check in about how everyone is doing and feeling during this uncertain time.” ~ Tia Howard, Parent Education Coordinator

In the Families Learning Together Program, participants and staff have been gathering online for virtual homeroom, “HomeZoom.” Participants clearly expressed their need for on-going connection, and the team developed a weekly schedule of virtual activities. Virtual activities include the Google classroom and online activities for playgroups, including Brain Lab, and Early Childhood Education class.

While we have suspended our on-site presence at our pediatric partnership sites – Project DULCE at the Ottauquechee Health Center and the “Strong Families, Strong Starts” initiative at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center – we are maintaining contact with clinic staff and supporting families by phone and tele-health. We are excited to offer several virtual events this month in partnership with DHMC and the Women’s Health Resource Center.