Watson and ParentChild+ mentor Lindsay Tillou, practice age-appropriate
developmental skills using educational toys and books.
Changing the lives of families through a home visiting program
“When Leonardo started the program, he was non-verbal and using sign language to communicate his needs,” recounts ParentChild+ mentor Lindsay Tillou. “Working with him and his parents, he made steady progress and began to make sounds within six months of starting the program. Now, at the end of the second year, he can count, sing, name colors, and even ask simple questions. We are so proud of him!”
Six home mentors, like Lindsay, are visiting over 40 families in the Southern Berkshires to deliver the ParentChild+ program to children between 16 months and 3.5 years. Mentors visit families weekly, following a set curriculum and bringing a book or a toy that facilitates a learning activity. Children benefit from the educational aspect of the activity, parents benefit from developing positive parenting skills, and both benefit from spending quality time together. Parents are tasked with repeating the activity between visits to reinforce the lessons learned. By the end of the year, each child has 12 age-appropriate books and 11 high-quality educational toys. For some children, these books and toys are some of the only ones in the house.
The program is open to all families in the southern Berkshires. It is especially beneficial for those who face obstacles such as language or literacy barriers, poverty, or parenting as a young adult. Research demonstrates that early childhood home visiting programs develop protective factors by equipping parents with knowledge about parenting and child development and providing concrete support in times of need. Participating in ParentChild+ also helps connect families to other CHP Family Services programs and resources.
After completing the program, children emerge with improved cognitive skills and go on to have higher academic achievement and high school graduation rates compared to their peers. Program coordinator Katelyn Parks also organizes an annual field trip and end-of-year celebration to bring the families together. “Local support from generous donors helps make special outings possible for our families,” says Katelyn. “Opportunities to practice social skills with other children is another way we help prepare the children for school.”
You Can Make a Difference!
Interested in sponsoring a ParentChild+ field trip to local institutions such as the Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Hancock Shaker Village, Winterlights, and more?
Contact Carrie Barth, Senior Director of Grants & Philanthropy,
at 413.528.9311 x1179.