ARTreach has just completed a four-week pilot program at the Pregnancy Help Center targeted at enriching a baby’s cognitive skills and physical development through baby exercises, musical instruments and “sensory-rich” play products.
The innovative dance program, called “Nurturing Pathways for Babies,” was taught by ARTreach certified instructor Erin Stanley.
The program is designed to give new mothers an opportunity to enjoy the art of dance while strengthening the bond with their baby.
The program was provided at no cost to Pregnancy Help Center clients, with Stanley donating her teaching time and materials to support the pilot.
ARTreach Executive Director Terri Bieber said the organization is currently measuring the impact of the program and collecting testimony and responses from participants to support future funding.
Bieber said new mothers registered for the program initially as an opportunity to get back in shape, bond with their infant and make new friends. There were additional benefits in that the program teaches a range of parenting skills, how to make healthy choices and how to find time to take care of yourself and your baby.
The program also teaches a new mother how creative movement and play and touch will activate an infant’s central nervous system. These networks interconnect rapidly from birth to four years of age.
According to child development experts, the brain doubles in size during the first twelve months of life and achieves 95 percent of its adult brain weight by the age of four. During these years, the foundation is laid for eyesight, language, gross and fine motor skills and emotional and intellectual capabilities. Movement, play and touch contribute significantly to the healthy development of a baby.
Bieber said outcomes in the pilot program were positive and ARTreach and the Pregnancy Help Center are seeking sponsors to support ongoing classes at the center. The goal is to fund the project through community donations so it can continue to be offered at no cost to Pregnancy Help Center clients. The organizations are seeking $725 in matching funds to sustain the program through 2010.
It will also be offered to the general community, if there is sufficient interest, at a cost of $12 per week.
