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New Parent Education and Support

No matter how experienced you are or how much you prepare, your baby comes with many surprises and even more questions. If you’re newly pregnant, going back to work after childbirth, or just want to connect with other parents of a newborn, there are many free or low-cost resources to help you.

It’s important to find the right resources and services for you. Before you start looking, here are some things to think about:

  • Do you want virtual or in-person meetings?

  • Can siblings join? Is there child care?

  • Are there qualifications to be a part of it?

  • Is having a religious component important?

  • How much will it cost? Is there a sliding scale fee based on income? Or is the service free?

  • Do you need transportation?

  • What time is the service offered?

  • What are you looking for to support parenting?

  • Will this be a one-time class, drop-in, or multiweek series?

  • If you choose home visits, are you comfortable having someone in your home?

EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCILS 

Early Childhood Councils (ECC) are a great place to start when looking for the right resources for you. ECCs are local communities that help connect parents with resources in their area.

They can help connect you with free programs and resources. This means things like classes for expecting or new parents, parenting support groups, early childhood education and support, and others.

Here are some ECCs in Colorado:

NATIONAL PARENT HELPLINE

Being a parent is a very important job. It’s not always easy. If you need emotional support, call the National Parent Helpline. Their trained advocates can:

  • Listen to you.

  • Help you continue to be a great parent.

  • Give you emotional help.

  • Help you solve problems.

  • Encourage you to take care of yourself.

  • Help you get connected to local services.

Call them at 855-4A PARENT (855-427-2736). Call Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.

HOME VISIT PROGRAMS

Home visit programs can help you get one-on-one support for your family. These programs have regular, planned visits from trained professionals. This can help you learn how to improve your family’s health and well-being in your own home. If you are pregnant or a new parent, you may qualify for certain programs.

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) is a free home visit program. They can help you understand what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. You must be a first-time mother and 28 weeks pregnant or less to qualify.

A trained nurse will visit your home to give you support, advice, and tips. They will start visiting during your pregnancy. They will keep visiting during your pregnancy and after you give birth.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free home visit program. They give you education and support. You are eligible if you are pregnant or have a family with children. Trained professionals will come to your home.

They will teach you about early childhood development and healthy parenting practices. To get these services, you must sign up with a local participating organization. Click here to find a program near you and sign up.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a free home visit program. It prepares your child for school if they are ages three to five. Trained home visitors will give you weekly support.

They will prepare you to be your child’s main educator in your home. They will also prepare to be involved in the school and community. Click here to find a HIPPY location near you.

TRANSPORTATION

As a member, you may be eligible for NEMT. This can help you get a ride to your behavioral and physical health appointments if you don’t have one. This means things like a doctor’s office, the hospital, or another medical office. Do not use NEMT if you are having an emergency.

NEMT is available for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) members only. NEMT is not available for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members.

CHILD CARE

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps eligible families pay for the cost of child care. You must meet certain income requirements that are specific to the county you live in.

The Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) is a state funded early childhood education program. Eligible children can go to half-day or full-day preschool or full-day kindergarten at a lower cost.  

Childcare Resource and Referral Agency: Their website has facts about child care. It also lists child care options in your area. To learn more, call Child Care Aware at 800-424-2246.

CASH ASSISTANCE 

Colorado PEAK is an online service where you can apply for food help. This means things like and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

You may also qualify for other cash assistance programs. These can help you buy healthy foods. You need to make a free account on the Colorado PEAK website to find out what programs you are eligible for.