Parenting young children is one of life’s greatest joys, and also one of its biggest challenges. From navigating sleepless nights to managing doctor visits and wondering if your child is hitting the right milestones, many parents wish they had an extra hand or trusted guide along the way. That’s where Charlottesville’s Child Health Partnership (CHP) comes in.
CHP’s home visiting program pairs nurses and family support specialists with local families, providing personalized, in-home guidance during those crucial early years of a child’s life. The result? Healthier kids, more confident parents, and stronger communities.
At a Glance: Child Health Partnership
- Child Health Partnership supports low-income families with children ages six and under in the Charlottesville area.
- CHP focuses on child health, developmental milestones, school readiness, nutrition, safety, and parenting support.
- The CHP free home visiting program sends trained nurses and support professionals directly to children’s homes.
- Child Health Partnership offers free developmental screenings for children from birth to age 5 1/2.
- Families can apply online to participate in the program.
What Is a Home Visiting Program?
Home visiting is a nationally recognized approach to supporting families with young children. Instead of requiring parents to come into an office or clinic, trained professionals bring resources, education, and encouragement directly into the home environment.
For Charlottesville-area families, this means:
- Nurses checking in on children’s health, from growth charts to vaccinations.
- Support with developmental milestones, ensuring kids are on track for school readiness.
- Guidance on nutrition, safety, and wellness tailored to each family’s unique needs.
- Connections to local resources, from pediatric care to preschool opportunities.
Research shows that children who participate in home visiting programs are more likely to be healthy, ready for school, and resilient as they grow. Parents report feeling more confident, supported, and less isolated.
One Charlottesville mom shared that CHP’s visits helped her feel empowered as a first-time parent:
“I had questions every week, and our nurse never made me feel silly for asking. She helped me learn to trust myself as a parent.”
These small but meaningful interactions can make a lifelong difference.
The Local Impact of Charlottesville’s Child Health Partnership
Every year, CHP works with hundreds of families across Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding counties. Their team of nurses and family support specialists builds lasting relationships with parents and children, helping families set goals, celebrate progress, and overcome challenges.
Whether it’s encouraging a toddler’s first words, helping a family find affordable childcare, or supporting a parent through postpartum recovery, CHP is there every step of the way.
Quick Facts: Child Health Partnership’s Home Visiting Program
- Who They Serve: Families in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding counties with children from birth to age 6
- Team Members: Registered nurses and family support specialists visit homes to provide guidance and resources
- Focus Areas: Child health, developmental milestones, school readiness, nutrition, safety, and parenting support
- Frequency of Visits: Typically weekly or biweekly, depending on each family’s needs
- Program Goal: Help children grow up healthy and prepared for school while empowering parents with knowledge and confidence
- Local Impact: Each year, hundreds of families in Central Virginia benefit from CHP’s home visiting services
Visit Early Impact Virginia for more family support resources, including programs available in other parts of the state.
How to Work with Child Health Partnership in Charlottesville
Families with young children who may benefit from CHP’s services can learn more by visiting Child Health Partnership’s website. Fill out an online form, and a child support specialist will be in touch.
CHP also offers free developmental screenings for children ages 5 1/2 and under. These screenings look at your child’s communication, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and personal social skills to identify areas where your family may need extra support.
Or, reach out directly to your local Child Health Partnership office:
Charlottesville Office: 434-964-4700
Fluvanna- Louisa Office: 434-589-0927
Community members can also support their work by donating, spreading the word, or making referrals on behalf of families who could use an extra hand.
A Community That Cares
At its heart, the Child Health Partnership is about connection. You’ll find neighbors helping neighbors, professionals sharing their expertise, and families building brighter futures. Through home visiting and targeted support services, Child Health Partnership makes sure that Charlottesville families aren’t just surviving those early years of parenting. They’re thriving.
Find inspiration in our blogs for all the challenges of parenting, healthy meal recipes for Cville kids to finding a pediatrician. Navigate the ups and downs of parenting with advice on managing stress as a parent and the ins and outs of sibling rivalry.
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HILARY BRYAN is the Advancement Director at Child Health Partnership, where she brings community, partnerships, advocacy and fundraising support to the organization. She advocates for those who are unable to advocate for themselves and sees the importance of community health and the impact it has on families and their ability to thrive. When Hilary is not at work you will find her with her family and friends, reading books and refurbishing her 1800’s farm house in Orange, VA with her two dogs and cat.