Ball State ‘Baby and Me’ Program Supports New Parents and Infant Development
“I strongly believe that the growth and development of the child is built on the foundation of the parents and the caregivers,” says Dr. Lina Burkhart (left), Counseling Practicum Clinic director and facilitator of Baby and Me classes.
A free course through Ball State’s Counseling Practicum Clinic helps caregivers support infant development while providing counseling psychology doctoral students with hands-on clinical training.
Ball State University’s Counseling Practicum Clinic (CPC) has launched a new initiative to support families with newborns and young children in the local community.
Baby and Me, a multi-month course that meets once per week, helps caregivers support the growth and development of their children.
“The ultimate goal is to support families with children,” said Dr. Lina Burkhart, CPC director and facilitator of the classes.
Made possible through generous funding from the Delaware County Health Department, the free course supports new families through the first few months of their baby’s life. Participants learn about the baby’s whole being and receive education on topics such as the relationship between the caregiver and the child, developmental milestones, and more. Additional classes support families through the first three years of a child’s life.
The sessions also focus on the mental well-being of caregivers, offering space for support and connection as they navigate a new relationship with their baby.
“I strongly believe that the growth and development of the child is built on the foundation of the parents and the caregivers,” Dr. Burkhart said. “If you think about a foundation for a house, the foundation has to be strong and sturdy. We want to strengthen, support, nurture, and build confidence in caregivers so that the baby ‘house’ that’s built upon that foundation can thrive and be strong, healthy, and well.”
While Dr. Burkhart has taken a lead role in this endeavor, she has also involved Ball State doctoral students in the College of Health’s counseling psychology doctoral program, creating an immersive learning opportunity.
“This is a unique opportunity for our graduate students to gain direct clinical group experience in the field of infant and early childhood mental health, working with families with young children,” Dr. Burkhart said.
Through its early success and a clear need in the community, Baby and Me has expanded its reach by adding a Spanish-speaking class.
“We don’t just talk about the importance of outreach or the importance of engaging the community,” Dr. Burkhart said. “We’re walking the walk. The community gets to see, experience, and benefit from it. This is incredibly important to our training program.”
Note:
Plenty of spaces are available for Baby and Me courses. Groups are designed to be a safe, welcoming space where parents can connect, learn, and grow together. For information and how to register, call 765-285-8047.
