Overview of Parent Programs

First Chance for Children believes that parents are a child's first and best teachers. That's why we have several programs that help parents fulfill that role. Most are focused on children between birth and age 3.

The first encounter that most new mothers usually have with us is through our hospital Baby Bag program. It is the goal of First Chance for Children for  that program to include every mother who delivers in Columbia. Each will receive a canvas bag filled with baby books, outlet covers, diapers, and our own “All About Baby” notebook that tells her about local resources for new mothers and their babies.

Our Lend & Learn Toy Libraries provide a safe location for children and their parents to play with toys that foster the development of motor and cognitive skills. Books and toys can be borrowed at no charge.

Our Safe CRIBS program provides safe cribs for at-risk families who lack safe sleeping accommodations for their baby. The cribs are accompanied by home safety items like a smoke detector and tub thermometer. The initial delivery visit is followed by five additional home visits.

The Home Visit Program provides eligible parents with home visits to help them learn more about child development.  Visits focus on child abuse prevention and SIDS reduction and child development.  In addition, our parent educators help new mothers create a healthy and strong mother-child relationship. Later visits emphasize early literacy skills.

Each year, First Chance for Children also offers one or two semesters of its Baby U class. Modeled on a highly praised program at the Harlem Children's Zone, these eight weekly group classes helps new parents with child development and parenting skills.

Our Parent Education services are funded by the Missouri Department of Social Services, the Children’s Trust Fund, the Phelps County Community Partnership, and private donations.