Promise South Salt Lake is launching a new community program intent on creating a sense of community and belonging where caregivers can work and learn with each other as they gain knowledge about child development and build the confidence to support the social, academic, emotional and developmental needs of their children. 

The Baby and You program is a nine-session program with content area experts to help parents or caregivers with the needs of their children who are between 0 and 3 years old. The program is being offered four times throughout the year with the first nine-week stint having started Jan. 11. 

For families that complete all nine weeks of the program, they will have a College Savings Account opened through my529 for their child with $500. 

The “Baby and You” program offers a comprehensive nine-week curriculum covering a range of essential topics for caregivers of young children. Sessions include insights into brain development from Envision Utah; an overview of developmental milestones by Help Me Grow Utah; strategies for Social Emotional Learning presented by the Utah State University Pyramid Model; guidance on Positive Discipline and Behavior Management from The Children’s Center Utah; information on Health, Nutrition and Safety from the Salt Lake County Health Department; tips on Parental Self-Care & Stress Management from Utah Community Action Head Start; and a focus on Learning Through Play and Community by United Way of Northern Utah - Welcome Baby. 

The program concludes with a Graduation and Planning for the Future session. Optional sessions delve deeper into Prenatal Care and Birth presented by South Main Clinic and support for children with disabilities offered by the Utah Parent Center.

There are also volunteer opportunities within the program. For anyone looking to volunteer with the program, they are required to complete a background check along with a simple orientation that provides them information to feel confident and be successful in their time there. 

“The Baby and You program will offer child supervision and enrichment activities supported by a staff member and volunteers,” said Edward Lopez, deputy director for Promise South Salt Lake. “We know lack of childcare may prevent individuals and families from attending community classes, events and workshops. Families, and especially women, may not feel comfortable attending an event that could benefit them or their family if they can’t have their children with them or don’t have a safe place for them.”

Lopez said it’s for that reason they are offering childcare as a resource for participants in the program. Child enrichment activities may include reading, music, dramatic play, arts and crafts, circle time and more. 

The program will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the South Salt Lake Community Center. They will provide breakfast and lunch for the participants. 

To learn more about the program or enroll in a program, contact Lucia Miramontes as [email protected] or call at 385-799-1360. λ