Summary of 2021-2022 Results
- In the 2021-2022 program year, the Baby Connections® program was delivered both, in-person and online, through its virtual adaptation: Baby Connections @ Home™.
- The program was offered 48 times across 20 different sites in Waterloo Region, Bruce Grey, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford.
- 426 families participated in the Baby Connections program.
- 428 babies received a complete Baby Connections kit to take home. (Two families with twins received a kit for each baby.)
- Participants included babies between 6-12 months of age, parents, grandparents, ESL families and families from low socio-economic backgrounds.
- The program was also delivered one-on-one by trained Facilitators who implement the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s Healthy Babies Healthy Children program (screens all new births and supports those deemed at high-risk with at-home visits) and the Infant and Child Development program (provides services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at risk of or who are experiencing developmental delay).
- Project READ (provides proactive family literacy programming for families receiving Ontario Works –OW provincial income support and Ontario Disability Support Program –ODSP) also offered the program to their families with young babies.
Impact
- Data analysis for the 2021-2022 program year is based on the 182 submitted forms, indicating a 43% completion rate.
- 88% increased their literacy awareness.
- 93% changed their literacy habits after attending the program.
- 93% are more informed about where to seek help.
Feedback from Parents/Caring Adults
Parents/caring adults shared with us that they are reading, singing and playing with their babies more. Enriched bonding is occurring during these meaningful face-to-face interactions and parents/caring adults feel they know more about how to engage with their babies and help them learn. The program also helped to bring families out of social isolation. Here are several testimonials to illustrate the impact of this year’s program:
“The program had very good guidance. I got so much knowledge which helps me a lot.”
“I recognized that literacy is not just reading to baby. It is how we talk with her throughout the day. I am spending more time labeling body parts and clothing during diaper changes. Labelling the food we are eating etc.”
“The biggest change is to have books around within reach throughout the day, not just for bedtime reading.”
“I understand better the importance of reading to my baby and speech development. I’m watching my baby for cues and labelling, repetition and more imitation.”
“We use less screen time with my baby. Reading to my baby and knowing my baby is learning to understand and is learning what I teach, I sing more too.”
“I liked the most being able to safely get out of the house and meet with other moms and learn about Baby Connections.”
To read the full report, visit: BC2022 – Executive Summary