First
Born Program
The expanding knowledge of human growth and development in the earliest years and longitudinal studies of child development programs indicate that children’s success in preschool and throughout life is built on the foundation of relationships, experiences, and skills they develop in the first three years of life. The LANL Foundation believes that by investing in children when they begin learning, at birth, lives of individual children can be changed today and for years to come by offering families the opportunity to participate in the First Born® Program (FBP). During 2005–2006, the LANL Foundation conducted research and consulted with early childhood development experts to identify a program that effectively serves the birth-to-three population and their families. The Foundation selected the FBP of Grant County, New Mexico, as the most promising model to meet the needs of children and families in Northern New Mexico.
In 2002, FBP was named one of the nation's 10 most innovative and exemplary prevention programs by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and other collaborative national agencies. The success of the program is based on several key characteristics. FBP is community based and works toward meeting local priorities through community involvement and collaboration. It is evidence based, with strong medical community support, rigorous staffing requirements, and clinical training protocols. The program uses exceptional family education resources, including three core curricula: First Born Prenatal Curriculum, First Born First Year of Life Curriculum, and First Born Toddler Curriculum. Additionally, the program has clearly articulated theory, implementation protocols, culturally sensitive components, program fidelity, high retention rates, sound evaluation, and integrity.
FBP is currently being replicated in Rio Arriba and Taos Counties, with Los Alamos County scheduled to begin in 2008. The goal of the replication project is to improve the health and wellness status of first-time families in Northern New Mexico. This initiative is funded by the LANL Foundation in collaboration with the State of New Mexico and
14 New Mexico private foundations.
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