2.  Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Education

The Baby’s Path to Learning program offers both series-based and ongoing components, ensuring that families can join no matter where they fall on the spectrum of parenting. Specific programming in the prenatal series, the first-time mom series and the newborn series allow deep dives into developmental periods, while parenting and nutrition curriculums provide ongoing support as the child grows. Women’s Care Centers offer a balance of individual and group care, encouraging families to build relationships with a skilled, trained counselor for one-on-one support, while simultaneously building community through group parenting classes.  

“It’s one thing to learn about strategies to deal with temper tantrums when you have a four-month-old,” laughs Hunsberger, “and you think, ok, I’ve got this, this is how I’ll parent when my child is two and throwing temper tantrums. It’s a much more valuable thing to be able to revisit that education when your child gets to that phase and have other parents going through the same thing there to offer encouragement. The peer support component is really powerful.” 

Hunsberger highlighted a recent class where the entire group came in with gifts to celebrate a new mom after she had her baby. “To see all of these families celebrate this birth and support this new mom, I just thought – this is why we do what we do.” 

The programming includes a comprehensive booklet with important milestones and resources for families, allowing education to continue at home. “The booklet is doubly beneficial, since it works as a stand-alone education piece but also promotes participation in additional classes and the group support,” Hunsberger said.  

3.  Available and Accessible Education 

Baby’s Path to Learning classes are offered at various times including evening classes and are taught in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. “The Early Years Initiative allowed us to really dig into our facilities and ensure we have adequate space and capacity for our classes and the number of families who want to participate,” said Hunsberger. Recent improvements include a major expansion of the Bloomington center, a new child care and education space at the South Bend location and new children’s areas at other centers.  

Hunsberger notes that the Early Years Initiative enabled the team to combine existing components to create a thoughtful, linear program where all the strings connect and tie together. “We’re building excitement and a vision of what a family can learn, and how you can begin your baby’s learning,” she said. “These classes really are a joy, they’re fun. So much of parenting is hard work, but this is a time that we get to celebrate. We get to celebrate parenting and celebrate learning and enjoy being together.”