Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers is an evidence-based approach to building strong families and communities.
Parents and Caregivers are matched with trained professionals who make regular personal home visits during a child’s earliest years in life, from birth to age 5. Families with low income who live in Jefferson and Marion Counties and are experiencing multiple stressors are eligible for this service.
Goals of Parents as Teachers
- Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development.
- Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues.
- Prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Increase children’s school readiness and success.
Doula Services
A Doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth. Spero doulas will start working with you during your pregnancy, providing visits and building a relationship with you. We will prioritize first-time moms, but will also be able to provide services for additional pregnancies. Doulas have been shown to reduce the length of labor and need for pain medications, as well as, help establish good breastfeeding routines.
Moving Beyond Depression
Moving Beyond Depression (MBD) is a structured, evidence-based in-home treatment program designed specifically for mothers who are experiencing symptoms of depression and are enrolled in a home visiting program, such as Parents as Teachers. The MBD program provides personalized support through 15 weekly therapy sessions, delivered in the comfort of the mother’s home, focusing on skill-building, emotional wellness, and practical coping strategies. To help reinforce progress and maintain improvements, participants also receive a booster session one month after completing the initial treatment phase.
