SXU's Free Birth-to-3 Program Offers Support to Families With At-Risk Children

CHICAGO, IL -- Do you have a child under the age of three and are interested in free developmental screenings, playgroups and parental support for preschool readiness ? Saint Xavier University’s Birth-to-3 Program could be just what your family needs. This free program strives to positively impact child development and nurture healthy parent-child relationships during the critical early years.

“We want to express how grateful we are for the Birth to 3 program. The efforts put forth by Kathy [Peters] and Lori [Winkler] have had a wonderful impact on our entire family. The children look forward to joining you, and our only regret is that we can’t meet more often. On behalf of us and all the other families, we thank you for all you do.” —Laura and Jim, parents of 10-month-, 3- and 6-year-old children

SXU’s Birth-to-3 Program is facilitated by certified parent educators and aims to connect families with support services in the community and provide developmentally appropriate activities for parents and their young children. Activities include:

• Weekly one-hour classes for parents and children to participate in free play, story time and music;
• Monthly field trips to acquaint families with activities in the community;
• Home visits to discuss developmental concerns and parenting questions;
• Evening parents’ classes which teach positive parenting approaches, nutrition and educational rights.

"It is our hope to come alongside you and provide additional support to your family as you parents your child," program director Lori Winkler said.

Entering its fourteenth year, the Birth-to-3 Program is located at 9549 S. Homan Ave. in Evergreen Park. The program has also added a large motor room for young active learners at Evergreen Park's new Urban Farm, located in 50-Acre Park at 91st Street and Rockwell Avenue. In a climate-controlled room, children engage in active learning, interact with animals and work in a sensory garden.

Birth-to-3 collaborates with Saint Xavier University's School of Education and Little Company of Mary Hospital, and is highly regarded by local state legislators and Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton. The program is funded by a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

The year-round program is available at no cost to families in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Alsip. To obtain a screening application, please contact Lori Winkler at winkler@sxu.edu or call 773-941-5708.