Head Start

Childhood success begins with parenting at its best. Home visiting is an early childhood intervention that can enhance parenting and promote the growth and development of young children. In high-quality programs, home visiting increases the odds that children from at-risk families will enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Definitions for Key Terms Used in this Policy Brief

Family — A supportive group of people who are committed to each other and which may include, though is not limited to, nuclear, extended, foster care, adoptive, and step or blended families. (Family Strengthening Policy Center)

Higher Risk Families — Families that encounter more numerous and disruptive challenges that interfere with family stability, parenting practices, and child wellbeing. Families can also be vulnerable when parent/caregivers have less exposure to information, insufficient family supports, or lack positive role models. (Family Strengthening Policy Center)

Home Visiting — A structured program that strengthens families by 1) expanding parent/caregiver’s knowledge and skills to nurture child development; 2) promoting growth and healthy development of young children; and 3) connecting families to resources in the community. In this policy brief, the focus is on home visiting programs for families with children ages five and younger.

Paraprofessionals — Home visitors who do not have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in an area related to the responsibilities of a home visitor. Paraprofessionals typically have a high school education and come from the community served by the home visiting agency and receive extensive training.

Parent/Caregiver — A biological or “adoptive” parent of a child, foster parent, person acting in the place of parent (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives), or any caregiver who has primary responsibility for the care and support of a child. (Family Strengthening Policy Center) In nontraditional families, the primary caregiver may not be a biological parent, but could be an older sibling, another relative, a teacher, neighbor, or even an agency and its staff.