Preparing for Life — Home Visiting
Preparing for Life — Home Visiting (PFL) supports caregivers in establishing nurturing, safe, and positive home learning environments. The model’s main goals are to improve school readiness, support child health and well-being, and foster responsive relationships. PFL uses a strengths-based approach that builds on the inherent capabilities of caregivers, helping them identify and pursue their goals and aspirations for themselves and their children. PFL works in partnership with local community resources to facilitate access to additional services for caregivers.
What is the model’s approach to providing home visiting services?
Hourlong home visits take place monthly or more often if needed. PFL requires families to initiate services prenatally. Services are provided until the child enters kindergarten.
PFL’s service population includes the following:
- Expectant caregivers
- First-time caregivers
- Caregivers under 21 years old
- Caregivers with limited access to education
- Families with low incomes
- Families with a history of child abuse or neglect/involvement with child welfare system
- Children with developmental delays or disabilities
Who is implementing the model?
Home Visitors
PFL was implemented by 1 home visitor in 2025. The model requires home visitors to have a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of child development, and experience working with families; experience in home visiting is recommended. Home visitors are required to maintain a caseload of 20 to 27 families.
Supervisors
PFL was implemented by 1 supervisor in 2025. The model requires supervisors to have a bachelor’s degree and experience in home visiting and child health and development. Supervisors are also required to have experience working with families and supervising staff in a social work or social care environment. Experience providing coaching support is recommended.
Where is the model implemented?
PFL operated in 1 local agency in 1 state in 2025. PFL also operated outside the United States and its territories in Ireland in 2025.
Families Served Through Evidence-Based Home Visiting in 2025
Mission
PFL supports expectant parents and families from pregnancy until the child begins school. The model aims to harness and bolster parents’ strengths, provide education on child development, and ultimately improve school readiness to help children, families, and communities thrive.
History
PFL started in Dublin, Ireland in 2007 and demonstrated positive impacts on children’s cognitive and social-emotional development at age 5, with significant effects sustained at ages 9 and 14. The model is now also delivered in Chicago, Illinois.