Free Family Services

Family support and coaching offers free and low-cost coaching programs for Ottawa area families from pregnancy through the start of kindergarten. Parents are matched with a friendly and experienced coach who provides services such as answering parenting questions, providing prenatal support and helping find services for mothers, families, and children.

 

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Early Head Start

Throughout pregnancy and children 0–3 years

Early Head Start (EHS) provides weekly visits lasting approximately 1.5 hours in your home that focus on enjoying your role as a parent, developing the necessary skills to enhance your child’s development, day to day concerns, and parenting information and support on behavior management. Socialization events are also held twice per month offering fun and educational activities for the enrolled child and their family. This program is year-round and is free for low-income families (according to federal guidelines or special needs), pregnant women and children ages 0-3 years. Early Head Start is run by Child Development Services of Ottawa Area, Inc.

Weekly visits focusing on enjoying your role as a parent, enhancing your child’s development, day to day concerns, and support on behavior management. Available for families who meet federal poverty guidelines or who have special needs.

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Early On Michigan

For families with children 0–3 years

Early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities and their families. Addressing delays early on can more effectively impact a child’s development.

If you think that your child’s growth, learning, or social skills are not the same as those of other children the same age, the sooner you check it out the better. Call Early On® Michigan. We’ll talk with you and refer you to an Early On Coordinator close to your home. Your Coordinator can also give you information on things that you can do to help your child grow and learn. We want your child to have a Great Start in life. Call us. We’re here to help.

MIHP

Maternal Infant Health Program

Throughout pregnancy and children 0–1 year

Partnering with Medicaid-eligible families to provide caring, trusted, and knowledgeable services and supports. Our home visitors serve the goals and needs of each family through prenatal support, parenting and child development education, nutrition information and more.

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) is a FREE program designed to help you- as an expecting parent – and your new baby, receive help and support when you need it most.  Monthly visits are scheduled at your convenience in your home or in the community to help you and your baby get the best start possible.  Contact Ottawa Area Department of Public Health to learn more.

PAT

Parents as Teachers

Throughout pregnancy and children 0–5 years

Parents as Teachers (PAT), is a home visiting program run by the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. PAT partners with families expecting a child or with children through age five; providing information on child development, community resources, and family support. PAT helps to ensure children are healthy, safe and ready to learn. The program includes home visits, community Play n Learn groups, developmental screenings and a resource network for families.

NHBP

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

For families who are part of a federally recognized tribe.
Offers programs, services, initiatives, and events for NHBP Tribal Members and clinic patients.

LRBOI

Family Spirit: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

For Native and Non-Native families.
Offers support for pregnancy, parenting, and meeting family goals; nutrition and breast feeding support; and home management.

MomsBloom

MomsBloom

For parents of newborns 0–12 weeks.
Hands-on and emotional support in your family’s home as you transition to life with a newborn.

Ottawa County

Community Mental Health

For children and their families based on need and eligibility.
Family services provides behavioral health supports, services and treatment for children age 0–21, and their families.

For Other Social Services Contact

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CALL 2-1-1

CALL 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects people seeking answers with local community-based organization programs and services. CALL 2-1-1 can help you with employment, food assistance, help for an aging parent, addiction prevention services, access to health care, clothing, mental health services, affordable housing options, support groups and ways of becoming part of your community. Dial 2-1-1 or 877-211-5253 to connect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.call-211.org to access the online resource database.

Preschool Resources

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Parent Resources

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Ottawa Local Resources

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