I am incredibly proud of the children, families, staff and you, our supporters. Frequently, I talk about the dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our Tatanka students and the great love of the families and community. But, it is the babies who drive my passion.

The year closed with an announcement of the largest spending increase on early childhood education in Minnesota in nearly 20 years. This is wonderful news for the organizations working to provide Minnesota's low-income families with access to high-quality, effective preschool education. We've long known by our own research that high-quality preschool education prepares children academically and socially for school and now the word is getting out.

At Baby's Space, we think waiting until preschool to provide high-quality education and support is overlooking the point of greatest impact. It's during the baby's first months and years that unparalleled brain growth and emotional development happens. A baby's future health and development are directly shaped by the earliest experiences with her surrounding adults.

And, as you may have heard me say before, for a baby in poverty, trauma can trump development.

It's because of you that a baby of a mother who is finishing high school and struggling to avoid gang activities can be guaranteed a strong start and quality education through 3rd grade.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the baby. Happy New Year!  

Best Regards,

Terrie Rose

Founder and President