The purpose of the federally-funded Promise Neighborhood program is to improve the educational and developmental outcomes of children and youth in a neighborhood. Without the millions of dollars for planning and development, Baby's Space is accomplishing the same goals.

What are we doing? Baby's Space provides high-quality, full-day, and full-year education to 100 children ages six weeks through third grade. Our elementary school offers year-round education with licensed teaching staff, small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios. More than 60% of our employees are from the same cultural background as the children we serve and we have more than 90% participation at events like family nights, Monday morning muffins, parent education classes and parent-teacher conferences. For children and families who are struggling with complicated life issues, we have staff available to help with advocacy, support and guidance.

How do we do it? We receive funding from childcare subsidies, school district funding, private donors and grants. We're also growing our services. We've received funding from the Sheltering Arms Foundation to create a school-readiness program for three- and four-year-olds at Tatanka Academy. With six third-grade students graduating from Tatanka Academy, families are recommending that Tatanka Academy extend to fifth grade beginning in the fall of 2013. The Minnesota Department of Health awarded a grant to hire a public health nurse to support the health and well-being of mothers and young women who are part of the Baby's Space program. 

Created from the baby's point-of-view - in which responsive, consistent, sensitive and warm relationships with adults are present at every step of development - Baby's Space is fulfilling the promise.

Best Regards,

Terrie Rose

Founder and Chief Executive Officer