This program provides child development education and screening, respite care, support groups and home visits.

Required form is available at the above address. An applicant  must enroll in the Chepota Himmita Program before child is 12 months old.

• Pregnant women expecting their first child (minimum 28 weeks gestation); or
• Pregnant and have other children; or
• Any time during a subsequent pregnancy
• Baby up to 12 months old

Program Goals - To improve upon the support system, teach family members problem solving skills, promote healthy child growth and development and promote positive parent-child relationships.

Chepota Himmita is a volunteer program that seeks to provide community based resources and support programs for Native American families in Pontotoc County, Okla.

The Chepota Himmita program teaches parents the skills needed to raise a healthy and happy child.  The program is community based and offers home visitation to families.  The program is offered at no cost to the family.  Instruction focuses on child health and development, parent child interaction, parents' ability to reach personal goals, use of community resources, nutrition, family budgeting and other areas to assist in creating a positive home environment.

Home visits are a key part of the Chepota Himmita program.  Family Support workers give personal support during pregnancy and up to five years of the child's life.  Activities provided by the support worker will involve everyone who participates in the care of a baby.  The support worker focuses on personal/environmental health parenting skills and child development skills.  Home visits may be once a week to every three months.

Families who enroll in the Chepota Himmita program will receive the following services at no cost:  parenting education, develop support systems, child development screenings, transportation and respite care.

For more information regarding this program, see contact information above.