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Health & Fitness

Are You Expecting? Free Parenting Program and Pregnancy Support Comes to the CT Shoreline

The East Shore District Health Department introduces the Shoreline Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV or “Mic-Vee” to those in the know) to the towns of East Haven, West Haven, Branford, and North Branford.  

 

What is MIECHV?

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Shoreline MIECHV PAT is a home visiting program focused on improving the well-being of families with young children. It is a free service for all families expecting a baby living in East Haven, West Haven, Branford and North Branford. Our well-trained and experienced staff works with families starting at pregnancy. They offer education and support up until a child reaches the age of five.

The MIECHV program uses the Parent-as-Teacher home visiting curriculum.  Our staff of home visitors is trained in child development and provides weekly visits in the home or a location that is most comfortable for parents. We help parents understand each stage of their child's development as well as offer practical tips. We share guidance on having a safe and healthy pregnancy as well as offer participation in parent education groups. Shoreline MIECHV PAT offers a wide variety of opportunities for parents to learn effective parenting skills and build a positive support network.

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Home visitors answer all types of questions, from prenatal nutrition to caring for newborns to child development.  Home visitors also link families to community-based resources, using the strengths of the existing community to support the parents. Programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Family Resource Centers, State and local community non-profit organizations, and local hospitals are just a few of our partners.

The MIECHV program also contains a fatherhood component. If fathers want to learn about parenting we offer one-on-one connections as well as group connections, where fathers can gather, learn and practice parenting skills. We offer an environment where men can share experiences that are unique to the Dads.

If you are a healthcare provider, social service provider, or other professional who sees pregnant women and families with young children, refer those who may benefit from home visiting and support. If you or a family member or friend would like a home visit, contact the clinical supervisor Alison at 203-466-1958 or go to our website, www.shorelinemiechvpat.org.

Currently the program is housed at the East Haven Adult Education Offices, with a satellite office at the West Haven Health Department. There are some criteria to be eligible for this program.

For more information and to see if you are eligible, contact:  Alison Tyliszczak, LCSW 203-466-1958 or Check our web site at www.shorelinemiechvpat.org to learn more about our service.





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