Resources for Professionals

As a home visitor, you may work with parents and caregivers that have learning differences and/or varying cognitive abilities. It's essential to approach each interaction with empathy, patience, and a commitment to understanding their unique needs. Tailoring communication strategies and providing information in accessible formats can greatly enhance engagement and comprehension.

MDH Toolkit to Support Home Visiting Services for Caregivers with Learning Differences - The toolkit includes important background information, a conceptual model, and a resource compendium

• Key background information includes: Why parents with learning differences may benefit from home visiting? Why it is important for home visiting to provide services in ways that work with ALL parents’ communication and learning styles? Why support is needed at multiple levels, not just by home visiting staff.

• The conceptual model lists and describes the supports that influence the quality of services received by parents with learning differences, and the outcomes that are anticipated to occur if the supports are carried out with sufficient quality

• The resource compendium contains a list of resources on a range of topics for those seeking information about how to provide services for caregivers with learning differences. Resources are organized to align with the levels of support described in the conceptual model

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): Provides information, resources, and support for parents with learning disabilities and their families. They offer articles, webinars, and tools to help navigate challenges and access educational resources.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): Offers resources, professional development, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They provide information on best practices, research, and policy initiatives. 

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safe Sleep Toolkit - A compilation of infographics, articles, videos, and printable posters on safe sleep practices.

AAP Safe Sleep Professional Resources & Recommendations

NIH Safe Sleep Campaign Shareable Resources

NIH Safe Sleep Campaign Printable/Order Resources

Safe Sleep Environment for Baby Guidelines

Other Language Safe Sleep Resources (Spanish, Arabic, other) from Michigan DHHS

Safe Sleep Brochure Spanish from Ohio Dept. of Health

Home visitors play a crucial role in supporting families, including addressing sensitive topics like homelessness. By discussing homelessness with families in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, home visitors can provide valuable resources and support. They help families understand housing options, navigate community services, and access financial assistance if needed.

Talking about housing instability can be a challenging topic to address with the families you work with. Below are some resources to help navigate these important conversations.

Zero to Three: An Introduction to Young Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC):  Offers free training for health and housing professionals on evidence-based practices for families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Sesame Workshop on Homelessness: A child friendly video featuring Elmo explaining housing instability 

Sesame Workshops - Serving homeless families in health care systems: Families in transition face unique challenges within the healthcare system. You can help by taking a holistic and creative approach to providing quality, compassionate care.