Evidence-Based Parent-Child Programs

Outreach’s evidence-based programs focus on promoting the social, emotional, and academic competence of children, working with parents and caregivers to ensure kids are ready to succeed in school and life.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS 

(Services offered at the Lackawanna & Luzerne County offices.)

Parents as Teachers is an evidence-based home visiting program that supports parents as their child’s first teacher.  Certified Family Development Specialists partner with parents to increase their knowledge of child development and to advance their child’s critical skills starting from the prenatal stage and continuing through kindergarten.

Program Emphasis

  • Parent-Child Interaction
  • Early Learning
  • School Readiness
  • Early Childhood Health/Development Screenings
  • Overall Family Well-being

Contact
Kathy Kutsop
570-558-7578

 

POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES

Since 2022, Outreach – Center for Community Resources has offered postpartum doula services to families in Lackawanna County. 

Research shows that postpartum doula services provide the following benefits:

  • Improve breastfeeding outcomes
  • Help reduce postpartum mood disorders 
  • Provide practical support, including helping with light chores and cooking meals
  • Help identify the role of each family member during this stage of transition
  • Educate parents regarding safe sleep, early child development, and other topics – Source: DONA International 

Outreach employs three DONA International Certified Doulas, each bringing compassion, understanding, and knowledge to every visit. 

For more information, please call or email:

Erica Baltrusaitis

Family Development Specialist/Doula
570-558-7580

ebaltrusaitis@outreachworks.org

Click below to sign up. A representative from Outreach will be in touch to talk to you about the program.

INCREDIBLE YEARS

(Services offered at the Lackawanna & Luzerne County offices.)

Parents and caregivers need support to help children handle strong emotions, especially negative ones like anger and frustration.

Certified Specialists help parents and caregivers of children ages 2-12 handle typical child behavior concerns. Specialized curriculum is available to address specific needs related to autism and language delays. Meals, transportation, and childcare are provided to participants. Virtual classes are offered.

Program Emphasis

  • Emotional/Social Competence
  • Problem Solving
  • Confidence
  • Learning Skills
  • Reducing and Preventing Aggression

Contact
Jessica Miller
570-209-1551

SAFE CARE AUGMENTED

(Services offered at the Lackawanna & Luzerne County offices.)

SafeCare® Augmented is an evidence-based home visiting program for families with children from birth to five years.  Outreach’s Certified Family Development Specialists are specially trained to support parents by providing information and coaching in three important areas:

Program Emphasis

  • Parent-Child Interaction
  • Child Health/Wellness
  • Home Safety

Contact
Chrissy Colon
570-955-7857

PLAY & LEARN GROUP

(Sessions offered at the Lackawanna & Luzerne County offices.)

To naturally develop key motor skills, socialization, confidence, and imagination, children need to play with other children. Along with their parents or caregivers, children develop essential skills and enjoy interacting with their peers in Outreach’s cheerful, toddler-friendly classroom.

Funded by local donations, this program is open to all families in Lackawanna County.

Program Emphasis

  • Experiential Learning
  • Age-appropriate STEM activities
  • Literacy
  • Child Development
  • Parenting Skills

Contact
Alyssa Savitski
570-335-3835

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A parent in Outreach’s Incredible Years program works on a child- directed home activity, as discussed during weekly parenting classes.

Outreach’s Toddler Play & Learn Group offers fun learning activities for parents and children to engage in together.

A mother and her child share quality time during our Parents as Teachers program.