BABY BASICS

Need Addressed:  There is a strong connection between early childhood development and the level of success that the child will experience later in life. In fact, research tells us that 85% of a child’s capacity to learn is determined by the age of five. Parents are their child’s first and best teacher, so effective parenting skills are critical to a child’s development.

Program Description:  Parents gain increased knowledge of the basic skills required to raise a healthy child in a safe environment. Weekly classes are taught by a pediatrician, Dr. Cynthia Graves. Class topics cover health and nutrition, child safety, parenting skills and tips, and caring for a child’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. Diapers, baby wipes, formula (when available) and Little Lambs vouchers are distributed after class to the parents in attendance. Vouchers can be redeemed for baby supplies and equipment in a store operated by Little Lambs, a local not-for-profit agency. 

Mission Alignment:  Baby Basics aligns to The Potter’s Wheel Ministries’ mission by meeting the spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational needs of inner-city Evansville residents, transforming lives by strengthening families 

Goal/Impact:  The goal of the Baby Basics program is to promote the development of healthier children through improved parenting skills (including nutrition education) which will result in better social and educational outcomes for children served.

Outputs:  Attendance sheets will be maintained. Monthly reports will verify the attendance of each session. A report will be submitted to the administrator prior to the monthly meeting of The Potter’s Wheel Board of Directors. 

Expected outputs will be that at least an average of 20 parents per session will participate in parenting skills classes and will demonstrate increased positive and effective parenting techniques during the first six months of the grant period. During the second six months of the grant period, our target is for at least an average of 23 parents per session to participate in parenting skills classes and demonstrate positive parenting techniques. Observations by the teacher, staff, and volunteers will be used to identify growth in positive parenting techniques. 

Outcomes:  We expect that the Baby Basics program will lead to an increase in parental knowledge, improved parenting skills, improved child nutrition, and a reduction in incidents of child abuse and/or neglect.