Best Start 

 


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Best Start  is a program to help get your baby off to the best possible start in life.  Best Start offers an interactive group experience made up of 4-6 women. Your confidentiality is assured. Best Start also offers home visits by a professional counselor to meet with you one on one.  The program is designed to be a fun, interesting, and educational opportunity to learn about being a parent and having a healthy relationship with your baby.

 Infants and toddlers are welcome to attend with their mothers.

How does the Best Start work?

Groups:

  • Participants meet at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit, 3236 Kirkaman St., Lake Charles, LA 70601.

  • Groups meet once a week for two (2) hours, for a total of eight (8) weeks.

  • Mothers are encouraged to bring their infants or children under the age of 2 to the meetings.

  • Everyone is encouraged to participate in the group experience, but not required.

  • Refreshments are served at each group.

Home Visits:

  • Participants with children ages 2 to 6 receive home visits by a professional counselor on a regular basis.

Tips for Supporting a Happy and Healthy Baby

For more information

If you have questions or would like to participate in the Best Start program please call or e-mail: 

JoEllen Quarles, LPC, LMFT
337-480-2667

Calcasieu Parish Health Unit
337-478-6020

Am I Eligible to Participate in Best Start?

♥ Are you pregnant, or do you have a baby or toddler under the age of 6?

♥ Are you eligible for WIC or Medicaid Program?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are eligible to participate in the Best Start Program. Call us between 8:00 and 4:30 Monday thru Friday, or e-mail us, to learn more.