GOOD BEGINNINGS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

 The Good Beginnings Program offers coordinated, parent education, support and referral services to first time moms and their child in an effort to:  

Provide a good start for children 0 to 5 years old. 

Support parents in their role as their child’s first teacher. 

Enhance parent’s awareness of community services. The goal of the program is to promote the development of positive, healthy relationships between 0 to 5-year-old children and parents, and reduce the risk of child abuse/neglect through providing home visiting, parenting education and support. 

SERVICES OFFERED 

Home Visiting

As a Healthy Families America site, Good Beginnings offers intensive, home-based parenting education and support services to new or expectant parents. Visits are scheduled 1-4 times each month in the parent’s home. Staff are trained to administer developmental screenings, discuss child development and growth, health, nutrition, the parent-child relationship, and link families to community resources. Ounce of Prevention-Teen Parent Services targets pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children residing in Peoria and Tazewell County.
Prevention Initiative-Early Childhood Project 
Targets any age first time parent and their child(ren) residing in Peoria or Tazewell County.

Prenatal Education Classes 

Prenatal Education classes are offered to pregnant teens who are in their second trimester of pregnancy. Male partners are also encouraged to attend and participate.
A series of 10 classes is taught by volunteer professionals and doulas experienced in Lamaze and childbirth education. Participants learn skills of relaxation/breathing techniques, labor and the birthing process, how to have fun while eating healthy, and baby care. Classes are free and transportation is available if needed. 

Incentive Store 

Participants can cash in points that they have earned at our incentive store, which is full of items for both participants and their children. Points are awarded when participants keep home visit appointments or events, achieve goals, and meet requirements of the program.
 

Parenting Groups 

A series of 10 weekly classes is offered to participants in the program. Classes focus on child health and safety, child development, loving discipline, healthy parenting, and other contemporary issues. A nutritious meal is served and transportation is available. 

Doulas Services

Prenatal moms who require support at the actual birth of their child can request Doula services.  Doulas are specially trained in all aspects of labor, delivery and post-natal care and are there to provide comfort and support. 

Bebe Feliz

A ten-week prenatal program conducted in Spanish, providing information about pre-natal care, good nutrition and the labor and delivery process. A nutritious meal is provided and transportation is available. There is no charge for this service and it is open to all those requiring prenatal services in Spanish.

For more information on Good Beginnings, please contact:

Heather Watson, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (309)687-7600
E-mail: hwatson@chail.org
Fax: (309)687-7590