Best Start
The Best Start Program is a voluntary, free in-home visiting program offered in collaboration with Public Health Nursing across Prince Edward Island. The Best Start Program is offered to parents and their newborns until their child turns 3 years old.
After your baby is born, a Public Health Nurse will talk to you about participating in the Best Start Program. Your Public Health Nurse will determine if you are eligible for the program, with a few questions. Families that would benefit most from in-home visiting with be matched with a Best Start Worker.
The Best Start Program’s in-home visiting support ensures the program participants have consistent, non-judgmental and confidential support to ensure their child, and family’s, healthy development.
The Program Offers
Personalized In-Home Visits
Best Start Workers visit families on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, providing personalized support and activities until your child turns three. Your Best Start Worker will bring you high-quality information on topics you want to learn about, ensuring that the support you receive is tailored to your needs.
Informative Discussions
Together, you’ll explore various topics such as health, safety, nutrition, and language development. Best Start Workers do their best to provide answers to your questions and share valuable information, recognizing that you are the expert on your child. They facilitate insightful conversations and discussions while supporting you in making your own decisions.
Postpartum and Parental Mental Health
Best Start Workers offer support for postpartum and parental mental health. While not mental health professionals, they provide attentive listening and practical strategies to assist you in navigating the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise after welcoming a new baby.
Developmental Activities
Your Best Start Worker will bring activities specifically tailored to your baby’s developmental stages. These activities are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, fostering bonding, attachment, and nurturing a positive relationship between you and your child.
Goal Setting and Resources
Best Start Workers help you define and achieve goals that are important for you and your family. They can connect you with government and community resources, ensuring you access additional support when needed.
To Participate
If you are a parent or guardian who would like to learn more about how you may be able to participate in the Best Start Program, please contact the nearest Public Health Nursing office in your area. With a few questions, a Public Health Nurse can determine your eligibility.
East Prince
Summerside: 902-888-8160
Kings
Montague: 902-838-0762
Souris: 902-687-7049
Queens
Charlottetown: 902-368-4530
West Prince
Alberton, O’Leary & Tignish: 902-859-8720
Wellington: 902-854-7259
Learn More
To learn more about the Best Start Program, please contact:
Vanessa Poirier, Provincial Best Start Coordinator
Email: beststartcoordinator@chancesfamily.ca
Best Start Kings County
Email: beststartkings@chancesfamily.ca
Best Start Prince County
Email: beststartprince@chancesfamily.ca
Best Start Queens County
Email: beststartqueens@chancesfamily.ca
Fees
Thanks to the support of the Province of PEI, the Best Start Program is offered free to all Island families.
Testimonials from Parents
“The Best Start Program has offered my family an invaluable combination of educational support, access to resources, milestone charting and empathetic outreach workers. Taking part in this program with my children was an excellent decision and the benefits have been impactful and long lasting.”
“The Best Start Program has helped my confidence as a single parent in helping me know my baby is hitting their milestones. Plus honestly it’s nice to check in with a friendly face.”
“The Best Start Program has definitely made me a more confident parent. Having someone to talk to about milestones and activities made me less anxious and helped me have more fun as he grew from a baby to a toddler! Thank you!”
About CHANCES
CHANCES (Caring, Helping, And Nurturing, Children Every Step) is a non-profit, charitable organization that exists to provide a range of child development and parent support services to children from 0-11 years and their families, particularly those experiencing additional life challenges.
In the provision of a range of comprehensive programs and services, CHANCES receives funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the province of Prince Edward Island, and private donations.
In addition, CHANCES offers self-sustaining programs on a fee for service basis for families.
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