Prevention Initiative

Parents As Teachers (Birth to 3) Parent Support Programs

Family T.I.E.S (Training, Information, Education, Support), servicing Jo Daviess County and the Parent Enrichment Program (PEP), servicing Stephenson County, partners with parents to give their children the best possible start.

Family T.I.E.S. and PEP are FREE home visiting programs for families with children birth to age three. We also provide prenatal services.

Family T.I.E.S and the Parent Enrichment Program

Prenatal – Age 3

Through the implementation of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum, the vision is to see families grow and learn to reach their full potential by encouraging and motivating parents to achieve positive outcomes.

We Believe:

The process of education begins prenatally
Learning takes place in a variety of natural settings
Children are active, curious learners who can learn at their own pace
Each child has unique strengths and needs
All families have a diverse range of strengths, needs, and priorities
Parents are their child’s first, best, and most important teacher
In extending children’s learning through creativity
All children need and deserve adults in their lives who are loving, kind and provide a safe environment for their child

The Parent as Teachers curriculum will provide support and encouragement to families through:

Personal visits: Parent educators encourage activities for parent-child interaction, provide information on child development, and focus on your family's needs, concerns, and hopes
Group connections: Share parenting experiences, gain new insights, talk about topics that interest you, and provide opportunities for children to interact
Screenings/Early Learning Checkups: Children are screened on a regular basis to ensure they are healthy, safe, and developing on track
Monthly newsletters or Facebook: Share up-coming community events, group connections, recipes, and age-appropriate activities
Services for Spanish-speaking families: Families whose primary language is Spanish in the Galena area can be connected with a Spanish- speaking parent educator
Lending Libraries: Parents may borrow books and toys for use at home with child
Resource Network: Parent educators will share community resources to help support you through your parenting journey
Car Seat Safety Checks (Stephenson County): We provide car seat safety checks by certified car seat technicians.
Infant massage (Stephenson County): Our certified infant massage instructors are available to demonstrate massage techniques and discuss all the benefits of massage.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower parents to be the best teachers they can be; to motivate families to make responsible choices and decisions; and to help prepare their child for a successful school experience

To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

Family T.I.E.S. has 4 parent educators with offices in East Dubuque, Galena, Elizabeth, and Lena, Illinois. The Parent Enrichment Program has 5 parent educators servicing Stephenson County. We offer free personalized visits customized to the needs of your family. Due to the pandemic, families can participate in program by having home visits, video visits, or phone visits.

If you would like more information, please contact: