Joint Base Lewis-McChord  Military and Family Support Center

The New Parent Support Program is a team made up of nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists who offer support and guidance by helping parents:

• Build strong, healthy bonds with their infants and toddlers that will lay the foundation for their social and emotional development
• Manage the demands of parenting, especially when impacted by deployments and other military operations
• Remain flexible and responsive when navigating daily life
• Build a strong support network
• Respond to infant and toddler behavior sensitively and be attuned to their developmental needs
• Find services in the local community in time of need

Learn more about the New Parent Support Program and contact your installation New Parent Support Program office to find out what’s available at your installation.

New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses, clinical social workers, and para-professionals trained in the delivery and practice of established home visiting models. The program is supervised and monitored at the installation level by the Family Advocacy program manager.

The program is available to military families who are expecting a baby or have children age 3 or younger. Marine Corps eligibility includes families with at least one child under 5.

Contact your installation New Parent Support Program office or Family Advocacy Program office.

New Parent Support Program

The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a professional team of Clinical Social Workers and Registered Nurses who provide no-cost, parenting support to expecting parents or families with children under the age of 4 years old. The NPSP can provide education and resources in a variety of topics to include: pregnancy, labor and delivery, newborn care, child development, parenting, and behavior management.

• Home Visiting: We offer parents the opportunity to improve their skills as parents and to learn new parenting skills. There are often many questions about children's needs and behaviors as well as how to manage them. The NPSP is a personalized and effective resource for parents. The NPSP travels to homes within a 50 mile radius of JBLM.
• Parenting Classes: Registration is required for all NPSP classes. Please call 253-967-5901 to register or visit JBLMDPFR.timetap.com.  Classes are offered both virtually and in-person.
  • Mindfulness Parenting: This class provides education on the Mindfulness Theory and how it can benefit parents as well as their children. Mindfulness theory focuses on living in the present moment to decreasing stress and mind clutter.
  • 24-7 Dad Workshop: Being the best dad you can be is the MOST important kind of "home improvement" you can do for your family, whether you're a new dad, single dad, or a seasoned veteran. Join the 24/7 Dad Workshop and learn what you can do for your family whether you are a new dad or a seasoned vet!
  • 1-2-3 Magic: Effective discipline for all children, toddlers through teens, 1-2-3 Magic is an evidence-based parenting technique created by Dr. Phelan. Parents will learn how to discipline without arguing, yelling, or spanking. 1-2-3 Magic gives parents specific and effective skills to address negative behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, disrespectful language and much more. You will also learn how to assist your child with starting a new behavior such as chores, manners, and respectful language.
  • Common Sense Parenting: Raising a child doesn’t have to be about tantrums, punishment and pouting! Learn effective skills for parenting your toddler or preschooler in this positive, interactive class with tried and true strategies to becoming a more confident parent! 
  • Baby Boot Camp: This is a fun and interactive class for active duty personnel and their partners who are expecting or have a newborn infant.  Baby Boot Camp covers everything a parent needs to know to take care of their newborn.
  • Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss, “A Journey to Wellness“: Miscarriage and pregnancy loss is a hardship many couples face. Pregnancy loss at any stage is devastating, but with education, proper support, and healthy coping, the grieving process can be more manageable. This class is an educational overview for those experiencing loss first hand and those want to learn how to better support those they care for.
  • Getting Back to Basics - Nutrition and Healthy Eating for Children Birth to Three: There is a long history, culture and familial beliefs regarding food, it’s preparation and introduction to children. This class reviews basic nutritional needs for children birth to three and helps parents establish and/or continue lifelong healthy eating habits for themselves and their growing family.
  • Ditch the Diapers: It’s potty time! Whether you have tried to potty train your child before or this is your first attempt, this class will provide you with tips and strategies to support you and your child through the complex process.
• Support Group
  • All About That Bump (expecting parents): A pregnancy support group for women 1- 40 weeks pregnant and their significant other. This group provides a forum for expecting mothers and their significant others to meet, discuss, and learn about topics surrounding pregnancy. Join and learn about local resource and gain pregnancy tips.
• Play Groups
  • Family focused interactive group for parents and children through the age of 3 years old. The playgroups encourage caregivers and children to interact with one another through crafts and organized activities. While participating in these fun activities, caregivers can focus on developing positive communication skills while supporting their children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The group also serves as a great place for parents to connect with one another and begin building a local support network.

The New Parent Support Program Home Visitors are located throughout JBLM. Phone: 253-967-7409 and for class enrollment, please call 253-967-5901.