Dakota Healthy Families (DHF)
Dakota Healthy Families Builds a Foundation to Support Learning Development
Dakota Healthy Families (DHF) is a home visiting program that enhances parenting skills of first-time parents who live in Minnesota Dakota County. The goal of Dakota Healthy Families is to create a family environment where children are safe, healthy and nurtured; and to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.
We use an early intervention and prevention-focused approach to teach parents how to provide early learning, to help build social and emotional intelligence in their children, to keep the child current on immunizations, and help prepare for a successful preschool screening.
Home Visitors encourage active participation and engage with families by visiting weekly for the first year and biweekly thereafter. Dakota Healthy Families currently serves 91 families.
When a child graduates at age 4, the family is transitioned to the Family Support Worker in the school the child will attend. Twelve of the 14 children who graduated in 2010 were transitioned to the Family Support Worker. This uniquely positions
360 Communities to support children 0 to 18 years old.
Dakota Healthy Families is a service provided by 360 Communities, made possible by funding from Dakota County.
Learn how DHF benefits both families and communities. 
Help Dakota Healthy Families reach its fundraising goal by contributing today!
The First Four Years of a Child’s Life are Important for Development and Learning
Dakota Healthy Families understands all parents want the best for their children and all families have strengths to build upon. DHF supports and enhances parenting skills by:
- Using a nationally recognized strength-based, interactive child development curriculum called Growing Great Kids
- Teaching activities and making toys that can be used daily to develop learning
- Listening to and supporting families
- Helping families deal with life stressors such as car repairs, rent, and food needs
- Working closely with community partner agencies
Learn more about how DHF promotes school readiness and builds family-to-community connectedness.
Dakota Healthy Families Helps Families with School Readiness
Families who participate in Dakota Healthy Families learn proven tactics that improve parenting skills and develop self-confidence, resulting in children who are prepared for school.
Learn more about our referral process.
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