Robinson Community Learning Center began managing the Talk with Your Baby (TwYB) parenting education program in the fall of 2013, having served as an original community partner in launching the program in St. Joseph County in 2009. The program aims to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of frequent interaction through talking, singing and playing with their children ages birth to three. Classes run for eight weeks, are offered in both English and Spanish, and cover a variety of parenting topics and tips for new and expecting parents and caregivers.  

The goal of TwYB is to ensure that every parent comprehends the “why” and the “how” of talking with their baby by equipping them with practical, evidence-based strategies. The back-and-forth pattern of frequent interactions with a baby has been shown to improve infant brain structure and function, language development, reading readiness and social and emotional development, along with increased bonding between parent and child. As an added bonus, the classes are a low-stress, friendly environment where parents feel comfortable learning new skills. “I am having more fun than my baby attending the TwYB classes,” said one mom attending the current session. 

Thanks to Early Years Initiative, the center has expanded TwYB offerings and availability in collaboration with the city of South Bend, offering multiple sessions at a time at various locations.  

The Promises of Parenting program offers parenting education and support to moms in the Leath Nursery Unit of the Indiana’s Women Prison, where eligible mothers can keep their infants with them until their release date. Through support from the Early Years Initiative, the Indiana University School of Medicine team has implemented and expanded the program with a vision of empowering all mothers living in the prison nursery unit to provide consistent, responsive, nurturing care for their children. Fifteen mothers have completed the program in 2024, with additional cohorts planned.  

The Youth Service Bureau (YSB) in St. Joseph County has been making significant strides in increasing its capacity to provide life-changing services for infants, toddlers and their families. With a special focus on early intervention and holistic support for at-risk single mothers, YSB has been able to help families navigate critical challenges. Thanks to the Early Years Initiative, YSB has expanded its Young Moms’ Self-Sufficiency Program, bringing much-needed resources to single mothers who are at risk of homelessness. 

Breaking Down Barriers: Expanding Capacity to Serve More Families 

Hiring a fourth home visitor to serve families has been a significant development. Before this expansion, many families faced longer wait times to access YSB’s services. Now, YSB can help more families and spread awareness about its vital program through community outreach efforts, including attending moms’ groups. “We are very grateful to have these kinds of funds,” says Kiana Jackson, Youth Service Bureau supervisor. “When you work for smaller nonprofits, you often have to run at a deficit and don’t get an opportunity to increase capacity. Having an opportunity to pay for additional staff and training is really helpful for the communities we serve.” 

The new case manager, hired in May, quickly filled a full caseload and has become a vital member of the YSB team. This expansion has allowed YSB to increase the number of families served and enhance the level of service for children from birth to age three. By investing in the education and training of their staff, YSB has empowered its team to deliver more intensive and tailored services to families. 

Personalized Support for Vulnerable Families 

YSB’s approach focuses on eliminating barriers that prevent families from receiving necessary care and guidance. Case managers work closely with 16-20 families at a time, offering two-hour, home-based visits each week. These sessions are designed to build trust and provide families with essential information about early child development, safe sleep practices, feeding and navigating child care options. They also help families access Child Care Development and Fund (CCDF) vouchers, which provide financial assistance for child care, making it easier for parents to return to work or continue their employment. 

YSB aims to make its services as holistic as possible. They tailor their services to each family’s unique needs. For example, if a parent can’t make it to their appointments, they provide transportation. If they don’t know how to safely feed or care for their baby, YSB steps in to educate and guide them. Their goal is to remove any barriers standing between these families and the support they need. 

Early Intervention: Catching Delays Before It’s Too Late 

One of the primary focuses of YSB’s program is identifying developmental delays early. Research shows that children who don’t receive intervention by age three are at risk of missing the opportunity to access vital services such as Head Start or preschool programs through school corporations. With their expanded capacity, YSB is now able to catch these delays sooner and help parents advocate for their children’s needs at doctors’ appointments. 

Case managers play a crucial role in this process by empowering parents to ask important questions about their children’s development and social-emotional milestones like eye contact, rolling over or motor skills. The YSB team uses role-playing exercises to boost parents’ confidence and emotional awareness, making sure they feel prepared to speak up for their children’s needs. 

Building Skills for Lifelong Success 

YSB has also invested in additional training for its staff, equipping them to provide specialized services such as Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). This program helps mothers and children who have experienced trauma develop stronger emotional bonds, reducing the likelihood of those traumas being passed to future generations. 

Additionally, YSB case managers are certified car seat technicians, ensuring families know how to transport their children safely. They also utilize the “Talk with Your Baby” curriculum, which encourages parents to engage with their children through regular conversation, reading and interaction. This program is particularly effective in helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds build their language skills, ensuring they are not at a disadvantage when they enter kindergarten. 

Some parents might feel unsure of their role in teaching their children language skills, but YSB helps them realize that they don’t need to be experts. Something as simple as reading the back of a macaroni and cheese box while making dinner can expose children to new words and boost their language development. Research shows that children from lower-income backgrounds can be exposed to thousands fewer words than their peers from more affluent families. YSB aims to close that gap by encouraging everyday conversations that help build vocabulary early on. 

Empowering Parents to Be Champions for Their Children 

YSB’s work is having a profound impact on the families they serve. Parents who have benefited from the program report feeling empowered to advocate for their children. With YSB’s support, they become their children’s most vocal champions, ensuring their needs are met at every stage of development. These families often share their successes with their social circles, spreading awareness about the benefits of early intervention and the availability of childcare vouchers, which helps children get a head start on their education. 

The results of YSB’s work speak for themselves. The number of children referred to First Steps, a program that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, has increased significantly. By helping families address developmental delays before age three, YSB is setting these children on a path to success. 

Looking to the Future 

With its expanded capacity and enhanced services, YSB is poised to continue making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families. By focusing on early intervention, empowering parents, and removing barriers to care, YSB is creating brighter futures for the youngest members of the community. 

The ongoing success of the Youth Service Bureau demonstrates the incredible impact that dedicated support and early intervention can have on at-risk families. YSB is equipped to provide the services and resources that families need to thrive, ensuring a stronger, healthier start for generations to come.

Thirty Spanish-speaking child care providers in St. Joseph County completed HighScope curriculum training, thanks to the Early Years Initiative. Beth O’Connor, co-director of The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, had a quick answer when asked about the best part of the program. “Watching the light bulbs go off in the hearts and minds of providers who see the possibilities of working with and caring for and educating the youngest children,” she said. “They’ve always loved [the infants and toddlers], of course, and now we can add to that by providing information, strategies, materials, ideas and inspiration.” 

The HighScope curriculum is designed to provide a rich academic foundation while promoting independence, decision-making, cooperation, creativity and problem-solving in young children. The Family Connection team previously offered the HighScope preschool curriculum to providers, then saw an additional need to focus on the infant and toddler population.  

By facilitating a child’s day in a developmentally appropriate way, HighScope training helps providers see the babies and toddlers in their care differently. “One thing that HighScope is just terrific about is that it’s not about just doing things,” O’Connor said. “It’s about being with and really understanding that if I focus on approaches to learning or cognitive development or social studies, that’s what we’re going to see grow. When you know more, you see more.” 

Listening to community feedback, the team decided to offer a class taught in Spanish to reach additional providers. No recruiting was needed as the class quickly filled to capacity through word-of-mouth and referrals from past participants. “We couldn’t say no to people,” laughed Stephanie Hooks, Family Connection co-director. “We were intending to offer the class to twelve participants and ended up with 30. It really speaks to the quality of the training that so many providers wanted to join.” 

The entire HighScope training was presented in Spanish so participants could access the material in a native language, allowing a level of comfort in completing homework assignments, engaging in sessions and offering feedback on new material. Participation is no small commitment, with attendees rearranging schedules and finding child care coverage in order to attend weekly training sessions. Homework is hands-on, encouraging providers to try a new concept with a small group of children or reflect on how a change in process impacted the classroom.  

“What they had to do to participate in these trainings is extraordinary, it’s just amazing. And it’s such an inspiration for us to get to do this work,” O’Connor said. “We take it very, very seriously because we want them to do well and they want to do well. This cohort of Spanish-speaking home providers was so committed and dedicated and so lovely to work with, and that energized our team in a really special way.”  

Learning doesn’t end after the weekly sessions. HighScope’s implementation phase offers insight into how providers are putting the training principles into practice. During follow-up visits to the provider’s home or center, the team collaborates on programming and daily flow, helps review lesson plans, collects notes about classroom operations and views the training in a real-world environment.  

“After the training, our participants feel comfortable because they’ve met with us for so many weeks, so they feel good about opening up their doors to us,” said Lupe Leal, HighScope certified teacher. “I’m able to go in and really talk about their plans and what they’d like to do in their space. We’ve been able to help them implement ideas and buy new materials so they can actually support the children throughout the day.” 

Since Early Years Initiative began, 30 educators have graduated from the program, impacting nearly 300 infants and toddlers in their care. Nineteen of those educators are continuing on to Ivy Tech Community College to complete their Child Development Associate® credential, and many of them plan to begin their associate degree in early childhood education. “We’re able to provide the first eight credit hours to get them started in their college careers, something that many of our providers didn’t believe was even an option for them,” said Hooks, highlighting that Ivy Tech added a staff member to serve as a mentor and navigator for the cohort, many of whom are first-generation college students.  

“To have a partner helping them navigate the complicated world of college, it’s been really exciting to watch that happen,” Hooks said. “The training has added a level of professionalism they’re proud of and now they’re gaining confidence and going on to continue their education. We’re just adding strength to strength.” 

An unexpected benefit of the HighScope training has been the strong sense of community and culture of support that has developed within the cohort. The group stays connected via messaging, communicates often and rallies around each other, instead of viewing others as competitors in the same space.  

“Lupe’s done a fabulous job of creating a community of learners mentality among the group,” O’Connor said. “They’re creating a community of learners among their children, but also among themselves.” 

Parents are noticing the impact of HighScope, appreciating the intentionality of lesson plans and activities. Many of the providers use a program to document observations and engagement throughout the day to share with parents, allowing insight into the child’s day and seeing picture proof of learning.  

Teachers are enjoying it too. “Family Connection has walked hand-in-hand with all of the Creative Hands & Brilliant Minds teachers, and have supported us with their observations and evaluations of the teachers and the work environment,” said Marisol Mayorga, program participant. “The Family Connection team has provided us with training and coaching as well as grants for classroom supplies, and as a result we have seen children, parents and teachers benefit in all areas of development. The Family Connection has been an important pillar for our programs to be able to offer an excellent quality of service to the children and parents who have placed their trust in us.” 

The HighScope training culminated in a graduation ceremony with more than 100 family members and friends in attendance.

Moms and families in need of mental health care services have a new option in La Porte County, thanks to an initiative by Dunebrook’s Healthy Families program.

Dunebrook’s executive director Tammy Button and Healthy Families program director Gabby Ginther serve on a county-wide Partners for Healthier Babies council, a group of community partners dedicated to improving maternal and child health outcomes in La Porte County.  Mental health services were consistently identified as a need, with families reporting lack of access to care and long wait times to be seen. 

“We started brainstorming, talking about how powerful it would be if we could offer counseling services free of charge and bring those services directly to our families,” Ginther said.  

The Healthy Families program provides a framework to support and empower new parents, matching them with a family support specialist who offers personalized education and resources. Adding mental health services to the program just made sense – for families who are struggling, eliminating the barrier of seeking out mental health care can be the difference between accessing services or suffering in silence.  

Through the Early Years Initiative, Dunebrook hired a full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to serve the Healthy Families program.  As luck would have it, the therapist Healthy Families selected is a former Healthy Families home visitor, allowing her a unique perspective into the client base from her past experiences. “That’s been a great touch,” said Ginther, “since she really understands the program and can relate to our families.” 

Families are already enrolling in counseling services, with individual weekly sessions taking place in a dedicated office space at Dunebrook. Healthy Families home visitors and supervisors work as a team to identify families who may benefit from services, with a special focus on those in the postpartum period with a child under a year old. “We know there are often long wait times to get in and see a mental health provider, especially for postpartum issues, so we really wanted to give priority to those families,” Ginther said.  

Families receive up to 12 sessions with the therapist at no charge, after which the therapist can assist with resources and referrals if longer term counseling is needed.  

Ginther points out it’s been a process to educate all the Healthy Families home visitors about the counseling program and how they can promote it to their families, but now that word is starting to spread she expects the program to fill to capacity. “Definitely positive feedback from our staff on the program,” she said. “They think it’s fantastic that their families are able to access these services easily because a lot of times that has been a barrier.”  

For some families, a negative experience in seeking services in the past makes them hesitant to try again. “The fact that our therapist was a former family support specialist has helped us to bridge that gap,” Ginther said. “It offers a comfort level to our families that they are going to be treated respectfully and in a thoughtful way.” 

One client was particularly hesitant to start counseling but shared positive feedback with her home visitor afterwards.

For the Kokomo Family YMCA Early Learning Center, a burst pipe turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The flooding temporarily took a few classrooms out of commission but afforded the opportunity to take a fresh look at the center’s offerings and evaluate against the community’s needs. By reconstructing and reconfiguring the space, the center created 24 new child care seats by adding a second infant room and expanding capacity in the toddler rooms.    

Staff and parents alike have reacted positively to the updates. “We had a parent of an infant enroll recently, and she said that after searching she felt that our program would be the best choice for her child,” said Kathryn Rice, Early Learning Center interim director and infant and toddler specialist. “After visiting and seeing the new rooms, she told us that we exceeded her high expectations. That’s a wonderful compliment.” 

Additional classrooms and refreshed learning spaces are just a few of the improvements made possible by the Early Years Initiative. The center is also implementing a comprehensive, equity-focused infant and toddler development program, including health and development screenings and interventions, pediatric care support from community providers, professional development for educators and the addition of a full-time infant and toddler specialist. Training through ZERO TO THREE provides an enhanced level of support for not only the children, but for parents and caregivers too. 

Embedding screenings and interventions into center programming ensures that all children have access to services. “Even if families have a pediatrician, this offers another set of eyes and gives more specialized attention to any developmental needs,” Rice said. “The goal is to identify any potential issues and offer early intervention, and the Early Years Initiative has provided us the tools to do so.” 

Rice said the on-site screenings have already paid dividends for several families. “We’ve had three or four cases where a child’s hearing was flagged during a screening and it turned out they weren’t hearing well and needed ear tubes,” she said. “The parents may not have received that information as early as they did without the screening.” 

Professional development from ZERO TO THREE is a key area of focus. Teachers recently completed training on brain development, diving into research about how the brain is built and the significant impact of the first three years of life in shaping a child’s future. In the classroom, newer teachers are paired with more experienced teachers to take strategies from training to implementation. Future offerings will focus on conscious discipline and incorporating those principles into real-word scenarios.  

Rice believes professional development raises the level of quality care in the classroom and helps minimize employee turnover.

A new mixed-use child care and affordable housing facility is coming to Bloomington, and that’s music to Laura Buck’s ears – literally. A showpiece of the new facility will be an innovative music-themed installation, designed to engage young learners in the arts while honoring a local legend. “It’s going to be really special, and we’re so excited to get started,” said Buck, director of programming at South Central Community Action Program. 

The musical learning space celebrates Reverend Doctor Marvin Chandler, a Bloomington native, award-winning jazz pianist and civil rights pioneer. Chandler passed away in 2023, and his family is honoring his legacy by lending his name to the outdoor space at the new facility, the Reverend Doctor Marvin Chandler Early Childcare and Education Center. It’s an opportunity to blend elements of local history, the civil rights movement and musicality into the early child care curriculum. “This partnership with the Chandler family allows our children to see that someone from our hometown grew up and accomplished so much,” said Buck, “and hopefully will spark interest in finding out more.” 

Vanderburgh County’s Pre to 3 program aims to reduce infant mortality by offering long-term support for families, providing free home visits for families from pregnancy until the baby turns three years old. For many families, it’s a lifeline to support services, education and resources and a connection to someone who cares. Last year, the Foundation for Better Health, a health department partner, utilized Early Years Initiative grant funding to expand the Pre to 3 program to more families in need.  

The team currently serves 300 clients in the community, pairing each family with a dedicated community health worker. For families that do not speak English as a first language, the goal is to match with a community health worker that speaks the family’s native language.

Three-year-old Aliza expertly managed a pair of giant scissors (with a little help!) at the September 2024 ribbon cutting ceremony for the Jay County Early Learning Center. Teachers, donors, foundation staff and community partners cheered the official launch of the facility, housed in a former elementary school building in Portland.  

“There’s nothing like it in the community,” said Doug Inman, Portland Foundation executive director, noting that it will be the largest child care center in Jay County. “We’re very excited to get the doors open and have families come take a look.” 

For the foundation, addressing the lack of affordable child care in the area aligns with its core mission. “As a community foundation, our goal is to enhance the quality of life in our community,” Inman said. “Part of that task involves providing leadership on key issues and serving as a catalyst to make things happen.” 

Once plans for the center were established, the foundation recognized the need for an established, high-quality partner to manage daily operations. After a competitive call for proposals, Westminster Preschool was selected for its expertise and commitment to quality and has served as a true collaborative partner during the renovation, offering input on color schemes, furniture, classroom design and other details to transform the space. With Westminster’s expertise and the newly renovated building, the center is slated to reach Paths to QUALITY™ Level 3 designation within the first year and national accreditation within two years. “We aren’t just opening a child care – we’re providing a high-quality program to children in need in our county,” Inman said.  

IU Health Jay Hospital serves as another key partner through its Healthy Beginnings program, a comprehensive prenatal and postnatal program that focuses on improving maternal and infant health outcomes through care coordination, outpatient services and community collaboration. Healthy Beginnings navigators partner with parents during the first trimester and continue support through the first year of a baby’s life, educating families about safe sleep practices, breastfeeding, developmental milestones and more. Navigators can attend healthcare appointments with families and offer connections to community resources. A navigator will now be on site at the Jay County Early Learning Center, eliminating the need for families to make an additional trip to the hospital for services. “Families can meet with the navigator on staff for car seat training, for safe sleep training, or all of the other things Healthy Beginnings offers,” Inman said.  

Looking ahead, Inman envisions bringing more wraparound support services into the facility to create a comprehensive family resource center. “Parents could drop their children off to start their day at the early learning center, then meet with any program staff needed and be on their way to work. We’re trying to make life easier for our families and connect them with the services they need. That’s much easier to do when you have high-quality partners like Westminster and IU Health Jay Hospital.” 

Inman points out that only about a quarter of children in the county who need child care are currently being served. “This center is not going to solve the child care crisis in Jay County, but it’s going to make a significant impact,” he said. “I hope the community sees that all these partners came together to address a need and find a solution for our families. It bodes well for our community that although we’ve identified our statistics aren’t great, we’re working really hard to improve.” The foundation has applied for additional grant funding with a goal of building two additional facilities to change Jay County’s status as a child care desert.  

Inman hopes the center fills an immediate need for local families, but he also looks long-term when thinking about the center’s role.

One in nine Indiana babies gets their start at a Women’s Care Center location, according to Women’s Care Center vice president Jenny Hunsberger. With 12 locations across the state, the centers have always offered pregnancy support and counseling but have expanded educational programming through Baby’s Path to Learning. This centralized and enhanced programming supports mothers throughout pregnancy, infancy and toddlerhood and focuses on healthy pregnancy and nutrition education, newborn care and development, toddler enrichment, early literacy, family activities and more. The program is built around three key pillars: