The LAP program is a comprehensive, culturally responsive program that utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to serve families who are overwhelmed with life challenges. The program focus is for families whose children are birth to five years of age and for parents who are experiencing challenges that impact their ability to be effective parents to their children. The LAP program provides home visitation, center-based classes, support groups and interactive play groups. Services are available in English, Spanish and Hmong.

Home Visitation

The LAP program uses the Nurturing Program for Parents and their Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers.

The home-based service is a comprehensive yet flexible program that can last up to one year, depending on the needs of the family. Home visits are conducted on a weekly basis, providing lessons to improve parental capabilities, enhance parent-child relationships and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.

The Nurturing home-based program has built-in assessment strategies to help the home visitor and family chart their goal planning and monitor their successes.

Center-Based Services

The LAP program offers a variety of parenting education and support groups. Classes are at no cost and are open to all parents and caregivers who have children between the ages of birth and five years of age. Classes offered include:

Incredible Years

A 14-week class designed to help parents identify issues they face with their young children in order to set the stage for sensitive, nurturing and competent parenting that foster positive social behaviors in children, as well as enhance self-esteem. Participants who meet the requirements of this group receive a Certificate of Completion.

Nurturing Parenting

A 14-week interactive class that promotes effective communication, increased empathy, effective discipline techniques, home safety and how to provide a healthy and nurturing environment for the whole family. Participants who meet the requirements of this group receive a Certificate of Completion.

Beyond Trauma

An 11-week class that focuses on trauma that women are most often at risk of experiencing: childhood abuse, rape, battering, and other forms of interpersonal violence. The curriculum promotes a strength-based approach that seeks to empower women and increase their sense of self.

Voices

An 18-week strength-based, gender-responsive class for adolescent females from 12 to 18 year of age. The class focuses on key issues important to young women, such as:
• Pregnant and Parenting teen moms
• Relationships with themselves
• Friendships
• Dating and Sexuality
• Healthy living (physically and emotionally)
• Alcohol and Drugs

Infant Massage

A 4-week class offered to parents and their “pre-crawling” babies. The purpose of this class is to introduce parents to the nurturing expression of touch through massage. Parents learn techniques that create opportunities to interact and share quality time with their little ones. Infant Massage promotes emotional and physical growth.

Comenzando Bien ("Healthy Start")

An 8-week prenatal education class that help pregnant women understand the importance of healthy practices and regular prenatal care. The class provides information to improve and/or maintain good health during pregnancy and to empower women to take an “active role” in their pregnancy.

Life Skills

These interactive educational classes offer a variety of skill-building activities to promote a healthier lifestyle for the diverse needs of families. Class examples include:
• Nutrition
• Budgeting
• Safety in the home
• Health and hygiene