SEK-CAP Early Head Start (EHS) Family Educators began using iPads during home visits in January of 2014.  Use of this technology has increased productivity and has given EHS a better picture of how children are doing.  For example, during the Parent-Child Activity at each home visit, the EHS Family Educator is able to take videos and pictures, which can immediately be downloaded into the child's electronic developmental portfolio.  This allows parents and staff to see how children progress towards their developmental goals.  Parent use of a laptop and an on-line assessment tool to document observations of their child during an activity has been in place for quite some time.  The iPad makes documentation much more convenient with its ease of use and better reception.  Because documentation can be completed using the iPad during a family visit, Family Educators have more time to spend on intense and creative case planning.

  Family Educators are able to access YouTube videos as part of "I am Moving, I am Learning" activities, which encourage parents and children to get physical exercise while they are learning.  iPads also provide Family Educators access to helpful websites for parents, whether it is to look for housing, fill out a job or resource application, or access parenting or child development information.

 Shelli Walrod, Home Based Program Manager for SEK-CAP Early Head Start, says, "Family Educators are delighted to use iPads".  Emily Clem, Labette County MIECHV Family Educator, said, "The iPads have allowed us to be more productive in the home visit and to engage parents on a higher level."

 Motivational Interviewing (MI) helps prepare home visitors to effectively engage families through collaborative, person-centered guidance, which helps to elicit and strengthen personal motivation for change.  The tips below are intended to remind home visitors what was learned during MI training and help them be intentional about putting these lessons into practice.

• MI is a form of guiding. It is not directing a parent what to do, and it is not just simply listening. MI uses questions and listening to help guide a parent toward healthier choices.

• Avoid the Righting Reflex! If you feel like telling the parent exactly what to do, step back a minute. Help them find solutions as opposed to just offering them up.

• When you are trying to build parent motivation, try to ask more open than closed questions. And try to use more reflections than questions.