Early Parenting Interventions and Coaching

BURLINGTON - For over 10 years, Young House Family Services has provided an In-Home Preschool Visitation Program (aka the Preschool Program) to families in Southeast Iowa and this year, it's getting a makeover. Effective July 1, 2019, the nonprofit organization's early childhood program has a new look with a new name - and it's of EPIC proportions! The name of the program was changed to Early Parenting Interventions and Coaching (EPIC) as it better captures the essence of the organization's in-home preschool visitation program comprised of in-home visits with the family, collaboration with early childhood educators and providers, and EPIC quarterly workshops in Des Moines, Henry and Louisa counties in Iowa.

EPIC utilizes the evidenced based curriculum, 'Raising a Thinking Child,” by Dr. Myrna Shure, as well as other proven materials to encourage, strengthen, and support parents of young children, while teaching children how to think and problem solve. EPIC workshops provide parents a space to offer and find peer support, share challenges and victories, and gain insight to their child's behavior while learning effective interventions to support their child's development.

EPIC services are facilitated by staff trained and experienced in providing early childhood interventions and services to families in southeast Iowa and are committed to collaborating with early childhood educators and providers to strengthen families, encourage parents, enhance child development, and build children's social, emotional and cognitive skills.

Other benefits of EPIC services include:

' EPIC advocacy for families and young children to be successful in the academic setting.

' Collaborative problem solving between parent, child, educator and/or child care provider.

' Parents are empowered with the tools to teach their children problem-solving skills.

' Children learn to evaluate consequences and make better decisions.

' Educators and child care providers are supported in managing difficult behaviors, giving them more time with other children in their care.

' Addresses child behaviors such as, difficulty socializing with peers, following age-appropriate directions, managing emotions, coping with conflict or stress and communicating wants and/or needs.

' Children are better prepared to follow directions, manage emotions and cope with conflict.

' Parents experience a stronger trust bond with their child.

EPIC Services are endorsed by area preschools and day care centers and financially supported by the local Early Childhood Iowa area board. EPIC services are provided to eligible families at no cost. Eligibility for EPIC requires a family have at least one child age 0-5 years old who attends a preschool or child care for a portion of time and resides in Des Moines, Henry or Louisa County in Iowa.

Young House Family Services is a nonprofit social service agency serving southeast Iowa for over 48 years, providing mental health, care coordination, and substance abuse services to adults and children, Young House Family Services is committed to delivering quality care and services.

For more information on EPIC, to host an EPIC Workshop for parents, or make a referral, please contact the EPIC program at (319) 752-4000 Ext. 1117, EPIC@younghouse.org or visit our website at www.younghouse.org