Regulations & Policy
Head Start Performance Standard: 1302.34 (b)(7)
Teachers conduct at least two home visits per program year for each family, including one before the program year begins, if feasible, to engage the parents in the child’s learning & development, except that such visits may take place at a program site or another safe location that affords privacy at the parent’s request, or if a visit to the home presents significant safety hazards for staff.
Preparing for the Home Visit
Staff conducting home visits must make their schedule of home visits for the day accessible to their supervisor and/or a designee person who will be at the office during the day. Outlook is the preferred communication tool for scheduled home visits. The planned beginning & ending times for each visit should be clear. If major changes are made, inform supervisor/designee of the changes.
Have picture identification / name badge visible at all times. A clip-on is best instead of necklace.
Schedule home visits early in the day whenever possible.
When accommodating parents & scheduling visits after normal business hours after (5:00 PM), staff is expected to inform someone of the scheduled meeting & make contact with that person upon completion of the visit. Staff must receive permission from immediate supervisor when scheduling any home visit after normal business hours. However, every effort should be made to schedule all visits to occur between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If home visit presents a safety risk, an alternative site for visiting with the family will be arranged.
If needed to ensure safety, a coworker may join designated staff on a home visit or staff may arrange joint visits with staff from other agencies
Ensure the vehicle is well maintained & has sufficient fuel
A safety kit with camera, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit & a flashlight will be made available to staff conducting home visits. Two kits will be made available at each site to be checked out for home visits.
Carry a personal or work cell phone, if possible. Cell phones shall be set to vibrate & shall not be answered during a visit, unless it is an emergency.
Take precaution around pets. Staff will ask the family in advance about pets by phone & ask them to secure the pets before arrival.
Limit valuables, credit cards or money on your person when visiting homes of the families. Leave valuables at home or place in the trunk of your car before leaving the office. Do not attempt to place valuable items in the trunk of your parked car for a visit. Take only items necessary for home visit.
Arriving at the Home Visit
Be aware of the areas in the neighborhood where help could be obtained if an emergency arises.
Do not enter the yard/home when there threats are present: Questionable people, Violence is in progress, unsecured vicious animals, parent/others are intoxicated & there is no quick escape.
Lock your car at all times. Check around, inside & under your vehicle before entering it. Carry vehicle keys in your hand for accessibility as well as a means of protecting yourself. Do not linger to make phone calls or notes, leave immediately.
Enter a home only after an adult gives you permission to do so.
When you arrive at the home visit site do not wait in your car. If you need to wait for next home visit, use the closest Head Start facility or Public Library. Call your supervisor & inform about this change.
During the Home Visit
Carefully consider your safety before entering a home, listen to your instincts & feelings.
Be aware of smells associated with substance use. Where there is suspicion of weapons, illicit drugs, or alcohol present, the home visit is not to be made.
Take whatever immediate steps are necessary for personal safety. If you believe your safety is threatened, remove yourself immediately from the situation. Call 911 if it is needed. After, when things are settled & you are in position to do so, inform your supervisor immediately. Document in your records what happened in the situation.
Dress appropriately & comfortably; maintain appropriate appearance and grooming in order to project an image of a clean & neat professional. Keep jewelry to a minimum & wear comfortable shoes with low or no heels.
Know the physical layout of the place you are visiting. Keep the door in sight during the visit. Identify locations where other people may be present & possible escape routes.
Be aware of all occupants in the home at time of visit. Be aware of the possibility of other persons in the home & inquire about anyone else who appears to be in another room.
Limit the amount of personal information shared with families.
Set the tone for the professional relationship by clearly defining interpersonal boundaries between you & family being visited.
One of the best and easiest methods of preventing the spread of communicable disease is to wash your hands frequently & thoroughly. Use a common sense approach if you feel there is a health hazard present. Take universal precaution by washing hands before/after visit. Use the hand washing tips as a guide to keeping your hands clean.
If you anticipate crisis situations & practice sound listening and deescalating skills, you will be able to diffuse most crises & deliver services without jeopardizing your safety or that of your clients.
Regarding Home Visits
When you are experiencing stress or feel that home visits are impacting your personal & professional life, seek help from your peers & supervisors.
Understand & utilize your agencies Employee Assistance Program; take time to reflect & assess quality of life & report critical incidences.
Limiting the number of home visits completed per day to 2-3 is recommended to reduce stress accumulation from multiple visits.
