Representatives of various local agencies and organizations that provide services for young children learned of a service that’s not new but fairly new to Warren County on Tuesday.

Dave Robinson, director of the Union City Family Support Center, spoke about the “Parents as Teachers” program now available to families in Warren County at Tuesday’s FWLICC (Forest/Warren Local Interagency Coordinating Council) meeting.

Robinson told those in attendance that services have been provided in Erie County, free of charge, for more than 20 years. Grant funding allowed the organization to expand services to Warren and Crawford County last year.

The program provides in-home services for prenatal families through age five. Families who take part in the program have either a weekly or bi-weekly in-home visit from a certified parent educator who provides guidance to help build a child’s intellectual, language, social and physical development from birth to age five.

The program aims to catch any issues early since children learn more and at a faster pace than any other time in life during the first few years.

Robinson spoke of the significance of some of the developmental screenings provided. “It’s invaluable,” he said. “Sometimes we can catch delays early. That’s important.”

He also described group connection events, often referred to as “Family Fun Nights.” “A lot of the folks we see are isolated,” Robinson said. “They lack support from family or friends.”

The group events create a “safe social space,” he said. Often parents and children who attend don’t interact with others right away, but he has watched many friendships form and blossom as families make connections.

One woman came to mind as he described how people gradually open up to others. “Each event has a theme. She really got into it,” he said. “This woman was a great baker. One time we had a Hawaiian theme. She made themed cupcakes and had a grass skirt.”

In response to some questions from those in attendance, Robinson added that there are no income guidelines for acceptance into the free program. He also said that the average length of time that families are enrolled is 44 months. “It’s significant that they stay with the program that long,” he said.

Most families who take part in the program are either self-referred or hear about it from a friend, Robinson said.

For more information about the “Parents as Teachers” program call the Union City Family Support Center at 814-438-7550 or visit ucfsc.org.