Healthy Start offers parents the education and support they need to care for and nurture their developing child. As a Parents as Teachers (PAT) affiliate home-visiting program, Healthy Start provides a structured, evidence-based curriculum guiding parents through key stages of early child development. Parents learn age-appropriate ways to support healthy growth while stimulating the language and physical skills that help ensure a child is ready to learn on their very first day of school. In addition, parents learn to set and achieve their goals, enriching their family life.
Family Support Specialists make twice-monthly home visits during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Visits are typically 75 minutes and involve the guardian, the child, and any other household members participating in raising the child. Visiting families at home helps Healthy Start home visitors break through barriers, like isolation and depression, that can keep parents from seeking services.
For more information, call 425.392.6367 ext. 5
Eligibility
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Family lives in East King County or surrounding areas (Or is enrolled in a Friends of Youth Transitional Living Program)
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Guardian is pregnant, or child is under six years old
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Caregiver does not need to be the biological parent
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Family is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) at time of enrollment
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Family must have more than one identified "family stressor"
Services
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Two 75-minute home-based visits per month, in person or virtual
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Annual screenings and assessments covering developmental milestones, physical health, mental health, intimate partner/domestic violence, hearing and vision, and parenting skills
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Resources based on stated needs and screening outcomes, including diapers and baby items
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Group family gatherings at least 12 times per year, to build community support and reduce isolation
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Parent advisory meetings, twice a year
additional services
employment
& education services
Comprehensive employment and job-readiness services for young adults, with individualized support for education and employment development — including resume development, soft-skill building, career exploration, and education and/or employment navigation.
youth engagement team (YET)
Helping youth who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness navigate life challenges, backed by a team of case managers, housing navigators, therapists, and lawyers.