Caring Connections Visitor Program: (Partner Program)

This program provides home visits and classes to families with children birth to age 5 in the Fergus Falls and surrounding communities with the goal of supporting families. Parents or families can request to receive home visits or referrals can be made to the program from ECFE, ECSE, Head Start, Public Health. Information on child development, parenting, and community resources are shared with families. Caring Connections is funded by the Otter Tail County Family Services Collaborative with support from participating programs. Please look us up on Facebook “Caring Connections”.

All visits are offered at times convenient to families. Families receiving Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services may receive Caring Connections visits from their ECSE Home Visitor. Families eligible for Head Start may request a Head Start Home Visitor. Families not involved with ECSE or Head Start will be visited by a Caring Connections Home Visitor.

Home visitors are able to provide information and support on the following topics:

• New mom and baby checks

• Parenting information

• Child growth and development

• Child care arrangements

• Safety issues regarding the home, car seats/restraints and toy and play equipment

• Community resources and referrals

• Scheduled immunizations/child check-ups

• Language development and literacy

• Other information and support as requested by parents

There is no cost for visits, although insurance may be billed for OTC Public Health Visits. Caring Connections is supported by the Otter Tail Family Services Collaborative, a partnership of Otter Tail County, its schools and non-profit agencies that work together to serve families to improve lives.

Every child needs a helping hand. Every family deserves one!

Fergus Falls Area Family Advocate staff: Jean Kugler

Find us on Facebook "Caring Connections".

Find us on the web at: www.otfsc.org/otcaringconnections.org