Great Start Collaborative Partner Spotlight: Baby Scholars
This month we are highlighting are partner, Baby Scholars. Baby Scholars has been members of the Collaborative for three years. Learn more from Tequia Adams, supervisor of the Baby Scholars program, about what her program has to offer for the families you serve. Thank you for sharing this great program for families in our community, Tequia!
What programs do you offer for young children and their families? The Baby Scholars program provide parents with children 5 months to 5 years old the knowledge and skills to support their children’s preparation for kindergarten. Baby Scholars support parents in taking their parenting skills to a higher level to help their child grow smarter by providing rich early learning experiences! Baby Scholars offer families with 10- and 11-week home visits with a certified early learning coach that reflect the community we serve. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish as well as support for other languages as needed.
How do families enroll in your programs? Families can visit our website at babyscholarsgr.org or contact Baby Scholars at 616-391-6078 to enroll.
How does your organization use parent voice to inform your programs? Baby Scholars values parent knowledge as unique knowledge gained from the lived experiences of being a parent. Baby Scholars recognizes parents as being important to the learning process and considers Parents and Parent Coaches as equally important for the child’s learning throughout the program. For this reason, Baby Scholars uses shared discussion with families about early childhood education, parenting experiences, beliefs, values, and goal planning. Additionally, upon graduating Baby Scholars, parents complete a survey that includes their experience, comments, and suggestions to inform our program how they have been supported with the ability to ensure that their children are supported in the transition to kindergarten. Most importantly, parent voice is valued, encouraged, and acknowledged in the transition process for additional early learning opportunities.
What do you most appreciate about your GSC membership? The financial, professional development, collaboration, and inclusive support provided as a member of GSC along with equitable opportunities to be a part of a community initiative to ensure all children can have a successful transition into school.