We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

CustomiseReject AllAccept All

Powered by [Visit CookieYes website](https://www.cookieyes.com/product/cookie-consent/?ref=cypbcyb&utm_source=cookie-banner&utm_medium=fl-branding)

Customise Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... Show more

NecessaryAlways Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

- Cookie

nabSegmentation

- Duration

4 months

- Description

Description is currently not available.

- Cookie

rc::a

- Duration

Never Expires

- Description

This cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks.

- Cookie

wpEmojiSettingsSupports

- Duration

session

- Description

WordPress sets this cookie when a user interacts with emojis on a WordPress site. It helps determine if the user's browser can display emojis properly.

- Cookie

rc::c

- Duration

session

- Description

This cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks.

- Cookie

VISITOR\_PRIVACY\_METADATA

- Duration

6 months

- Description

YouTube sets this cookie to store the user's cookie consent state for the current domain.

- Cookie

\_GRECAPTCHA

- Duration

1 year

- Description

Google Recaptcha

- Cookie

NID

- Duration

1 year

- Description

Google Recaptcha NID

Functional

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

- Cookie

VISITOR\_INFO1\_LIVE

- Duration

6 months

- Description

A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.

- Cookie

yt-remote-connected-devices

- Duration

Never Expires

- Description

YouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.

- Cookie

ytidb::LAST\_RESULT\_ENTRY\_KEY

- Duration

Never Expires

- Description

The cookie ytidb::LAST\_RESULT\_ENTRY\_KEY is used by YouTube to store the last search result entry that was clicked by the user. This information is used to improve the user experience by providing more relevant search results in the future.

- Cookie

yt-remote-device-id

- Duration

Never Expires

- Description

YouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.

- Cookie

yt-remote-session-name

- Duration

session

- Description

The yt-remote-session-name cookie is used by YouTube to store the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video.

- Cookie

yt-remote-fast-check-period

- Duration

session

- Description

The yt-remote-fast-check-period cookie is used by YouTube to store the user's video player preferences for embedded YouTube videos.

- Cookie

yt-remote-session-app

- Duration

session

- Description

The yt-remote-session-app cookie is used by YouTube to store user preferences and information about the interface of the embedded YouTube video player.

- Cookie

yt-remote-cast-available

- Duration

session

- Description

The yt-remote-cast-available cookie is used to store the user's preferences regarding whether casting is available on their YouTube video player.

- Cookie

yt-remote-cast-installed

- Duration

session

- Description

The yt-remote-cast-installed cookie is used to store the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

- Cookie

\_ga\_\*

- Duration

1 year 1 month 4 days

- Description

Google Analytics sets this cookie to store and count page views.

- Cookie

\_ga

- Duration

1 year 1 month 4 days

- Description

Google Analytics sets this cookie to calculate visitor, session and campaign data and track site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors.

- Cookie

\_hjSessionUser\_\*

- Duration

1 year

- Description

Hotjar sets this cookie to ensure data from subsequent visits to the same site is attributed to the same user ID, which persists in the Hotjar User ID, which is unique to that site.

- Cookie

\_hjSession\_\*

- Duration

1 hour

- Description

- Cookie

\_gid

- Duration

1 day

- Description

Google Analytics sets this cookie to store information on how visitors use a website while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the collected data includes the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.

- Cookie

YSC

- Duration

session

- Description

YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

- Cookie

\_gat

- Duration

1 minute

- Description

Google Universal Analytics sets this cookie to restrain request rate and thus limit data collection on high-traffic sites.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyse the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

- Cookie

\_\_Secure-YEC

- Duration

past

- Description

YouTube sets this cookie to stores the user's video player preferences using embedded YouTube video

- Cookie

uid

- Duration

Never Expires

- Description

Set by publuu

- Cookie

\_\_Secure-YNID

- Duration

6 months

- Description

Google cookie used to protect user security and prevent fraud, especially during the login process.

- Cookie

\_\_Secure-ROLLOUT\_TOKEN

- Duration

6 months

- Description

YouTube sets this cookie to manage feature rollout and experimentation. It helps Google control which new features or interface changes are shown to users as part of testing and staged rollouts, ensuring consistent experience for a given user during an experiment.

Uncategorised

Other uncategorised cookies are those that are being analysed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

No cookies to display.

Reject AllSave My PreferencesAccept All

Powered by [Visit CookieYes website](https://www.cookieyes.com/product/cookie-consent/?ref=cypbcyb&utm_source=cookie-banner&utm_medium=sl-branding)

[Skip to main content](https://brookespublishing.com/foundational-textbook-for-future-home-visitors-working-with-todays-diverse-families/#content)

# A Foundational Textbook for All Future Home Visitors Working with Today’s Diverse Families

## The Art and Practice of Home Visiting, Second Edition

### By [Ruth E. Cook, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3892&Name=Ruth+Cook,Ph.D.), & [Shirley N. Sparks, M.S., CCC-SLP](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3893&Name=Shirley+Sparks,M.S.,%20CCC-SLP)

Now reframed as a textbook for a new generation of home visitors, this exciting second edition of the go-to guide for effective, culturally senstive home visits now includes student-friendly features, downloadable course companion materials, and fresh content on timely topics to help all home vistors master the art and practice of effective home visiting. Future home visitors will get practical, in‐depth guidance on all the complex issues they’ll face in their work with families and children, including implementing evidence‐based practice; providing trauma‐informed care; and addressing challenges with sleep, feeding, and behavior.

[Request Ebook Exam Copy](https://brookespublishing.com/customer-service/exam-review-copies/ebook-exam-copy-request-form/?cf8_field_2=The%20Art%20and%20Practice%20of%20Home%20Visiting%2C%20Second%20Edition&cf8_field_3=Cook%2C%20Ruth&cf8_field_4=978-1-68125-447-0)

- **New student-friendly features**: Learning Outcomes and Read‐Reflect‐Discuss Questions in each chapter, case studies, chapter summaries, and a glossary
- **Expanded focus on all home visitors** working with children with and without disabilities
- **New and updated content on critical topics**, such as resolving barriers to successful home visits and working with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse families
- **Expanded table of contents** for easy navigation
- **Increased focus on family‐centered home visiting** and the home visitor as a collaborative coach and partner for the family
- **A complete package of downloadable companion materials** for faculty

_Want to learn more about this edition?_ _[See the full listing](https://products.brookespublishing.com/The-Art-and-Practice-of-Home-Visiting-Second-Edition-P1289.aspx)._

- PowerPoint outlines for each chapter
- Sample semester syllabus
- Test bank with questions and answers for each chapter

**Ruth E. Cook, Ph.D.** Dr. Cook is is professor emeritus and was director of special education at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. Her primary focus as an educator was on inclusion of young children in early childhood settings. Formerly, she was also director of two inclusive campus preschool programs: one at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angels and the other at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

[Read full bio >>](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3892&Name=Ruth+Cook,Ph.D.)

**Shirley N. Sparks, M.S., CCC-SLP** Ms. Sparks is Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. While at Western Michigan University, Ms. Sparks spent a sabbatical year with the department of public health in Battle Creek, Michigan, doing home visits with public health nurses. More recently she was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Special Education at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California.

[Read full bio >>](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3893&Name=Shirley+Sparks,M.S.,%20CCC-SLP)

**About the Downloads**

**About the Authors**

**About the Contributor**

**Forward**

_By Kathy Wahl_

**From a Mother to Her Home Visitors**

**Preface**

**Acknowledgements**

**Section I**

**Chapter 1: An Overview of Home Visiting**

Learning Outcomes

History of Home Visiting

Eradication of Poverty by Changing Environmental Conditions

Massive Arrival of Immigrants

Rapid Transformation of Society

Early Home Visitors

Lessons from The Past

Home Visiting Today

Competencies Needed

Home Visitors as Coaches

Remote Home Visiting

Philosophy and Approach to Home Visiting

Approaches to Home Visiting

Child Focused

Family Focused

Collaborative Team

Evidence-Based Practice

Critical Needs Positively Impacted by Home Visiting

Healthy Babies

Safe Homes and Nurturing Relationships

Optimal Early Learning and Long-Term Academic Achievement

Self-Sufficient Parents

Cultural Influences

Summar

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 2: Collaborating with Families**

Learning Outcomes

Family Reaction to Vulnerability and Crisis

Increased Stress Levels

Denial Can Be A Friend

Viewing the Family as a Whole

Understanding Familes as Systems

Family Structure

Cultural Orientation

Individualism Vs Collectivism

Family Dynamics

Sensitive Responsiveness

Family-Orchestrated Child Experiences

Health and Safety

Fathers

Strategies to Engage Fathers

Siblings

Family Functions

Strategies to Facilitate Family Empowerment

Developing Empathy

Achieving Empathy

Asking Questions

Listening Attentively and With Reflection

Avoid Jargon

Phrase Negative Information Carefully

Respecting Family Preferences

Preparing Families for Change

Focusing on Strengths, Achievements and Desires

Identifying Strategies That Will Help Families Achieve Desired Outcomes

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Section II**

**Chapter 3: Building Home Visitor:Family Relationships**

Learning Outcomes

First Impressions

Personal Characteristics of The Home Visitor

Emotional Needs of Both Families and Home Visitors

The Initial Visit

Greeting

Hand Cleansing

Act Like You Are A Guest in The Home

Blending Cultures

Getting Down to Business

Connecting with Siblings

Other Home Visitor Behaviors That Build Relationships

Be Reliable

Abandon Your Agenda

Observe Yourself

Developing A Plan of Intervention with The Family

Identifying the Family’s Most Important Concerns

Explain and Summarize All Assessment Results

Summarize and Prioritize

Assisting the Family with Implementation of The Plan

Information and Services

On-Line Information

Resource Supports

Social Supports

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 4: Facilitating Parent‐Child Relationships**

Learning Outcomes

The Caregiver‐Infant Relationship

Relationship Terminology

Types of Attachment

Secure Attachment

Ambivalent Attachment

Avoidant Attachment

Disorganized Attachment

Interference with Attachment—Parents

Interference with Attachment—Infants

Parent‐Infant Interactions

Infant Communication Signals

Eye Gaze

Joint Attention

Gestures

Reciprocity

Interactional Patterns of Children with Unique Needs

What to Consider When Encouraging Caregiver‐Infant Attachment

Adult‐Adult Dyadic Interactions

Intervention When Caregiver‐Infant Interaction Signals Are Unique

The Infant Mental Health Model (IMH)

Carefully Observe the Evidence of Attachment Behaviors

Establishing Interaction Through Reciprocity

Serve and Return

Establishing Attachment Through Feeding

Establishing Attachment Through Play

Intervention in A Cultural Context

Reflecting on Success as A Home Visitor

Green Flags of Effective Visits

Red Flags of Ineffective Visits

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 5: Structure of Home Visitations**

Learning Outcomes

Before Home Visiting Begins

Assessment for Program Planning and Monitoring

Formal Assessment

Informal Assessment

Factors to Be Considered in Interpretation of Assessment

Home Visiting Activities

Format of Home Visits

Upon Arrival

What’s New?

Today’s Activities

Where to Begin?

Toy Bag or Not?

Reflect and Plan for The Next Visit

What’s Coming Up?

Anything Else?

Good‐Bye

Elements of A Home Visit

Upon Arrival

What’s New?

Today’s Activities

Where to Begin?

Toy Bag or Not?

Reflect and Plan for The Next Visit

What’s Coming Up?

Anything Else?

Good‐Bye

Approaches to Intervention

Home Visitor Direct Approach

Unique Role of Modeling

The Eight Steps of Modeling

Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba)

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI)

Home Visitor Indirect Approach

Family‐Guided Routine Based Intervention

Points to Keep in Mind

Problems to Avoid

Direct Vs Indirect Approaches

Home Visitors as Coaches

Parents as Interventionists

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Section III**

**Chapter 6: Specific Family Challenges**

Learning Outcomes

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Trauma Informed Care and the 2020 Pandemic

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Parents with Mental Health Challenges

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Parents with Cognitive Disabilities

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Teenage Parents

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Foster and Adoptive Parents

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Grandparents In The Role Of Parents

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Military Families

Military Families are Resilient

Military Family Separations are Difficult and Complicated

Most Military Parents Were Not Military Children

Change is Constant

Peers can Pave the Way for Service Members

Military Lingo

Not Everyone in Uniform has Access to the Same Programs

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Poverty

Homelessness

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Immigrant And Refugee Families

Avoiding Communication/Cultural Barriers with Effective Interpreters/Translators

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 7: Responding to Children’s Challenges**

Learning Outcomes

Primary and Secondary Conditions

Daily Challenges

Feeding

Oral‐Motor‐Skill Deficits

Feeding within the Cultural Context

Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder

Children on Gastrostomy Tubes

Need for a Feeding Specialist

Role of the Home Visitor

Structure

Social Modeling

Behavioral Treatment

Make Foods Manageable

Encourage Children to Use Their Cognitive Skills

Potential Resources

Sleeping

Sleep Routines within the Cultural Context

Need for Concern about Sleep Disturbances

Signs of Possible Problems with Sleep

Role of the Home Visitor

Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Potential Resources

Speech and Language Challenges

Characteristics of a Possible Language Disorder

Characteristics of a Possible Articulation Disorder

Characteristics of a Possible Fluency Disorder

Role of the Home Visitor

Imitation

Taking Turns

Shared Regard

Play Games

Potential Resources

Hearing Challenges

Types of Hearing Loss

Role of the Home Visitor

Medically Fragile

Staying Healthy

Multiple Challenges

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Visual Challenges

Self‐stimulating Behaviors

Language Development with Children with Visual Challenges

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 8: Enduring Challenges _With Carole Osselear_**

Learning Outcomes

Common Enduring Challenges

Motor Challenges

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Developmental Challenges

Cultural Differences in Developmental Challenges

Down Syndrome

Pointers for Working with Children with Down Syndrome

Role of the Home Visitor

Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Autism Spectrum

Facilitating a Diagnosis

Responding When Parents Suspect ASD

Responding When Parents Look for Answers

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosis

Symptoms of FASD are Variable

Intervention Concepts

Role of the Home Visitor

Potential Resources

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**Chapter 9: Personal Concerns of the Home Visitor**

Learning Outcomes

Ethical Issues

Confidentiality

Boundaries

Cross-cultural Conflicts

Agency Guidelines

Home Visitor—Agency or Legal Issues

Boundaries in Family Service

Noncooperative Families

Making Compromises

Discontinuing Visits

Personal Safety

Nurturing the Nurturer

Personal Organization

Summary

Read‐Reflect‐Discuss

**References**

**Appendixes**

**Appendix A:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — Heads Up

**Appendix B:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — The Crawler-Creeper

**Appendix C:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — The Cruiser

**Appendix D:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — The Walker

**Appendix E:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — The Doer

**Appendix F:** Infant Development from Birth to 3 Years — The Tester

**Appendix G:** Speech and Language Development of Infants and Young Children

**Appendix H:** Home Visit Record Form

**Appendix I:** Toys Cleverly Disguised as Household Items

**Appendix J:** Guidelines for Referral: Red Flags

**Appendix K:** Suggested Resources (by Subject)

**Glossary**

**Index**

- A [book excerpt](https://brookespublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Art-and-Practice-of-Home-Visiting-Second-Edition_Excerpt.pdf) that includes a full table of contents
- A quick look at [what’s new](https://brookespublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Whats-New-in-The-Art-and-Practice-2e.pdf) in the second edition

- [_Facebook_](http://www.facebook.com/brookespublishingco)
- [_Twitter_](https://twitter.com/BrookesPubCo)
- [_Pinterest_](http://pinterest.com/brookespubco/)
- [_Blog_](http://blog.brookespublishing.com/)

**Brookes Publishing**
P.O. Box 10624

Baltimore, MD 21285-0624

Phone:
1-800-638-3775

Fax:
410-337-8539

- [Screening & Assessment](https://brookespublishing.com/screening-assessment/)
- [Teaching & Intervention](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/)  - [Early Childhood](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/early-childhood/)
  - [Literacy](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/literacy/)
  - [Communication & Language](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/communication-language/)
  - [Special Education](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/special-education/)
  - [Social-Emotional Development](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/social-emotional-development/)
  - [Multilingual Education](https://brookespublishing.com/teaching-intervention/multilingual-education/)
- [Resources](https://brookespublishing.com/resources/)  - [Resource Library](https://brookespublishing.com/resources/resource-library/)
  - [Catalogs](https://brookespublishing.com/resources/catalogs/)
  - [Newsletters](https://brookespublishing.com/resources/newsletters/)
  - [Blog](https://blog.brookespublishing.com/)
  - [Webinars](https://brookespublishing.com/resource-library/?fwp_type=webinars)
- [Support](https://brookespublishing.com/support/)  - [How to Order](https://brookespublishing.com/support/how-to-order/)
  - [Faculty Support](https://brookespublishing.com/support/faculty-support/)
  - [Training](https://brookespublishing.com/support/training/)
  - [Download Hub](https://downloads.brookespublishing.com/)
  - [Product Support](https://brookespublishing.com/support/product-support/)
  - [Permissions](https://brookespublishing.com/support/permissions/)
  - [Contact](https://brookespublishing.com/support/contact/)
  - [Publish with Brookes](https://brookespublishing.com/support/publish-with-brookes/)
- [About](https://brookespublishing.com/about/)  - [Leadership](https://brookespublishing.com/about/leadership/)
  - [History](https://brookespublishing.com/about/history/)
  - [News & Events](https://brookespublishing.com/about/news-events/)
  - [Careers](https://brookespublishing.com/about/careers/)

- [Contact](https://brookespublishing.com/support/contact/)
- [Store](https://products.brookespublishing.com/)
- [Login](https://products.brookespublishing.com/Login.aspx)
- [Cart](https://products.brookespublishing.com/Basket.aspx)

© Copyright
2026
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[Permissions](https://brookespublishing.com/support/permissions) [Privacy Policy](https://brookespublishing.com/privacy-policy)

reCAPTCHA

Recaptcha requires verification.

[Privacy](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/) \- [Terms](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/)

protected by **reCAPTCHA**

[Privacy](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/) \- [Terms](https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/)
