New Parent Support Program

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 (NPSP)

The NPSP at Kings Bay provides education, support, information and referral to expectant and or already established parents with children under four years of age. The program is primarily delivered via home visits. However, office appointments are also available. Workshops include: the Expectant Family workshop, Parenting classes and Moms’ and Dads’ Group.

The Expectant Family Workshop is offered quarterly and targets all who are first-time parents, or those experiencing the birth of a new child all over again. Participants will receive information on how to begin planning for the arrival of a new baby, as well as increase their awareness of the emotional, financial, physical and psychological changes associated with a new addition to the family. Expecting parents will have an opportunity to practice swaddling, bathing, diapering and expecting dads will be able to experience the weight of pregnancy via the “Empathy Belly.” Participants will also receive information on local resources.

The Parenting class is offered in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis or available upon request. This class is optimal for parents wishing to enhance their parenting skills and knowledge. The following are some of the topics covered: Ages and Stages, Child Development, Discipline, Feeding, Diapering, Period of Purple Crying and Self-Care.

The Moms’ and Dads’ Group is an informal playgroup that meets every Wednesday. This group provides a forum for parents to socialize, share experiences and exchange new ideas. Parenting tips are also shared at this group. Children are a significant component of this group, as they learn best through play.

The NPSP also has a “Lending Locker” available to all active-duty Service Members, eligible family members and retirees. The following items are available to check out for a limited time: infant car seats, child car seats, strollers, booster seats, pack and plays, safety gates, baby monitors, portable cribs and educational information.