Children First (Oklahoma’s Nurse-Family Partnership)

Children First is Oklahoma version of the Nurse-Family Partnership, a free home visiting program. Specially trained public health nurses walk alongside first-time mothers from pregnancy until the child second birthday.

What it offers

• Regular in-home visits from a trained public health nurse
• Education on a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and what to expect after delivery
• Practical parenting guidance during the child’s first two years
• Referrals to community resources when a family needs them
• A trusted, one-to-one relationship that supports the mother confidence

Who it is for

The program is designed for first-time mothers who are early in pregnancy, generally before 29 weeks, and whose household income falls within the program guidelines. It is a strong fit for expectant parents who want steady, knowledgeable support as they prepare for a first child and adjust to life afterward. Because a nurse follows the family through the first two years, mothers gain a consistent source of guidance during a period full of new questions. Exact income limits are listed on the official site.

Getting started

Enrollment starts with a call to the local county health department or the state program office. Because the program works best when it begins during pregnancy, reaching out early is encouraged, ideally well before the cutoff week. Staff confirm eligibility, explain how home visits are scheduled, and match the mother with a nurse who will follow the family through those first important years and answer questions as they arise.

Timing and what happens next

Timing matters more with this program than with many others. Because it is designed for first-time mothers early in pregnancy, generally before 29 weeks, reaching out sooner rather than later gives a family the fullest benefit. After the first call, staff confirm eligibility and explain how home visits are scheduled.

What happens next is a steady relationship rather than a one-time appointment. A trained public health nurse is matched with the mother and follows the family through pregnancy and the child’s first two years, offering education and guidance as new questions arise. That continuity is much of what makes the program valuable.

It helps to reach out as soon as a first pregnancy is known, since the early enrollment window is limited. Families already connected to WIC or a county health department can ask about Children First at the same time, as the programs often work in tandem. Exact income limits and enrollment details are on the official site, so families can confirm before assuming they do not qualify. A first-time mother who is already seeing a doctor can also ask that office to help start a referral, which is one more path into the program.

Getting connected is a matter of one phone call. Families can reach the local county health department or the state program office at (405) 426-8046 to start, and because the program is built for first-time mothers early in pregnancy, generally before 29 weeks, calling as soon as a first pregnancy is known gives a family the fullest benefit. Eligibility rests on being a first-time mother within the program’s income guidelines, and the exact limits are posted on the official site so a family can confirm before assuming it does not qualify. There is no cost to take part. Staff confirm eligibility over the phone, explain how home visits are scheduled, and reach families during the hours the program lists on the official site.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I enroll?

As early as possible in pregnancy, ideally well before 29 weeks, since the program works best when it begins early. Reaching out sooner gives a family the fullest benefit.

Who is it for?

It is designed for first-time mothers whose household income falls within the program guidelines. Exact limits are on the official site.

How long does support last?

A nurse follows the family from pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. That continuity gives mothers a steady source of guidance through the early years.

What does it cost?

The home visiting program is free. Contact the local county health department or the state program office to enroll and confirm eligibility.