When Michigan Home Visitors Seek Training, They Look to the Institute

When it comes to home visiting, Michigan is all in. 

The upper Midwest state with a population of more than 10 million people has been engaged in home visiting outreach for approximately 50 years. Today, nine models operate within the state. 

“There’s a lot of passion for maternal and child health here,” said Tiffany Kostelec, manager of the home visiting section at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “We’re committed to hearing and learning from parents. We have a big focus on building parent leaders.”

While her team is developing a process to better count the number of home visiting professionals, Kostelec estimates Michigan is home to 1,200-1,500 home visitors. 

When new and seasoned home visiting professionals are looking for professional development opportunities they have a common place they turn to: The Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals. 

“The Institute is one of those places that is known to our [network]. We keep publicizing it, and they continue to access it as a place for good opportunities for training,” said Kostelec.

Michigan’s home visitors – and family support professionals across the country – are able to access the Institute’s engaging online modules and personalized Career Compass for free to learn new skills as they partner with families. With the Compass’ pre-assessment, users can have an understanding of their strengths and opportunities for development. 

The Institute’s online learning modules can help home visiting professionals prepare for the National Family Support Certification Exam to earn the national credential for family support professionals who demonstrate the basic novice level of core competencies. The exam, and the Institute’s modules, follows the National Family Support Competency Framework, which was informed by programs in 27 states and territories across the country, including Michigan.

Kostelec is proud of Michigan’s role in shaping the national standard for home visiting and is grateful the Institute remains a resource for her teams. 

As Michigan’s home visitors focus on partnering with families for healthier births, increased school readiness and stronger families, these professionals are able to rely on the Institute for their development too. It’s a proven partnership that ensures growth – for everyone. 

Learn more about the Institute and the Career Compass at https://institutefsp.org.