Empowering Families from the Very Beginning with In-Home Visits
By Erin Anderson, Principal, Donald C. Parker Early Education Center
At Harlem School District’s Parker Early Childhood Education Center, we believe families are a child’s first and most important teachers. Thanks to a generous grant from United Way of Rock River Valley, Parker Center offers a free program supporting families who have children under age three. Families receive personalized in-home visits and engaging group encounters focused on strengthening parent-child interactions, fostering healthy attachment, and promoting school readiness.
Parker Center provides valuable resources, developmental and social-emotional screenings, and guidance tailored to each family’s unique needs. We help set individualized goals and connect families with community resources to enhance overall well-being.
Beyond home visits, our group encounters provide opportunities for families to build relationships and develop socialization skills together. These interactive sessions connect families with local agencies, offer educational workshops aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Guidelines, and help prepare children for a smooth transition into the Harlem School District.
One of our families recently nominated a dedicated home visitor for the 97ZOK Teacher of the Week, highlighting the incredible impact of this program. The parent shared how her son, who takes time to warm up to new people, quickly became comfortable with the home visitor’s patient and kind approach. “She quickly became one of his favorites,” she said.
Even after her son aged out of the program, the home support staff member continued to provide encouragement to the young boy as he transitioned to Pre-K, walking him into school when he was struggling and helping the family develop a plan to ease his anxiety. “This didn’t just help our son—it meant the world to my husband and me,” the mom reflected.
Stories like these are a testament to the program’s lasting effect on families.
Parker Center is grateful to United Way of Rock River Valley for making this program possible. Learn more about Parker Center.