Children First Program
Children First is a free program for first-time mothers in Oklahoma that provides personal visits with specially trained nurses beginning early in the pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday.
The program was founded in 1996 as Oklahoma’s first Nurse-Family Partnership, based on the research of Dr. David Olds.
To be eligible, participants must meet the following requirements:
- First-time mother.
- Monthly household income at or below 185% of federal poverty level.
- Less than 29 weeks pregnant at enrollment.
The goal of the voluntary, evidence-based program is to empower families to better care for themselves and their babies by providing information, education, health assessments, safety and developmental consultation, and connecting participants with available community resources.
Children First program services are provided through county health departments and a Public/Private Partnership.
During the personal visits, nurses provide education on pregnancy, labor and delivery, and parenting skills such as feeding, bathing and toilet training. The nurses also support the client as she accomplishes life goals like completing high school, going to college, choosing a career or owning a home.
There are currently approximately 57.5 Children First nurses available for home visitation.
Initiating prenatal care in the first trimester and attending regular prenatal visits help to ensure a healthy pregnancy and increase the probability of having a healthy baby. By allowing a health care provider to identify potential problems early, the majority of pregnancy and birth-related health issues can be prevented.
The nurse home visitor remains in close contact with the mother’s Primary Care Physician through the course of the pregnancy, sharing pertinent health information to ensure continuity of care.
Contact Information
Connie Frederick, BSN, RN
Program Manager
Phone: (405) 426-8046
Susan Wegrzynski, MSN, RN
Nurse Consultant
Phone: (405) 426-8968
Tracie Rochester MPH, CPH, RN | Nursing Manager II
Children First, Oklahoma’s Nurse Family Partnership
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Phone: (405) 579-2246
Fax: (405) 329-1273
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Attention: FSPS/Children First
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave, Ste. 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
