Increasing the health and well-being of children by helping parents build positive, protective factors that strengthen their families is the central goal of parent engagement. We work side by side with families and customize support and education to respond to the strengths and needs of each child, parent, and family.

Through participation in services, parents develop the understanding and capacities necessary to nurture their children, support their academic achievements, and ensure their children’s future success. As a result, support networks in communities are fortified with

children and families becoming the force for lasting change.

Based on research and information developed by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, five protective factors have been identified as core features of strong and successful families. BABY'S SPACE and Tatanka Academy support parents to develop and enhance these five factors:

• Sensitive, responsive, and nurturing parent-child relationship;
• Understanding of stages of child development;
• Social connections and a sense of belonging;
• Ability to manage the stress of parenting, poverty and other issues;
• Support in meeting basic needs.

Designed according to the developmental needs of the child and family at each stage of early development, families can participate in childbirth coaching (doula) services, parent education, individual and family therapies, advocacy, parent-child interaction activities, parent-teacher conferences, field trips, and family night events.

The Baby’s Space approach successfully supports families by creating the opportunity for parents to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without fear of ridicule, rejection, or disappointment.