A child participant at the 2009 Education Summit blockfest.
Our Work > SmartBabies Initiative

SmartBabies: Early Childhood Initiative

In April 2011 Waco Foundation Board of Trustees committed to leading an early childhood initiative for children in our community ages 0-3.  In the first three years of life children develop critical language, sensory pathways, and cognitive ability that help shape their school readiness and set them on their life course.  In 2009, the Foundation commissioned a study by the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC) which developed a central baseline for understanding the current condition of the youngest residents in McLennan County (access the full report here).

This study looked at various risk factors, which resulted in the development of an Early Childhood Quality of Life Index (QLI). Numerous indicators were calculated that related to health and behaviors of at-risk mothers: teen births, prenatal care, fetal deaths, infant death rate, low birth rate, and preterm births. Overall, out of a 100-point scale, using the 12 risk factors most closely linked to a child’s health and educational development, McLennan County has an average quality of life score of 41.67%. While working with agencies and collaborations, Waco Foundation trustees recognized the need for a central comprehensive early childhood initiative thereby launching the SmartBabies Initiative.

This initiative will have 3 goals:

  • to develop a plan to promote general awareness within the community about the issue of early childhood development and parent engagement; 
  • to facilitate the development and implementation of a strategic plan that will raise the Early Childhood QLI by 10% within five years, in all zip codes where the QLI is below the County’s overall score of 41.67%; and 
  • to develop and maintain an inventory of local early childhood programs and resources. 

Waco Foundation, through this initiative, will embark on a long range comprehensive plan that seeks to take the next steps in implementing positive change in the most vulnerable and at-risk-areas in McLennan County by coordinating a strategic plan, bringing awareness to the community about the importance of early childhood education, reaching out to parents and other systems that affect families, and serving as a liaison between parents and schools.  The goal being to ultimately ensure that all citizens have the early childhood environment that is necessary for a happy, productive life as a citizens, future workers and leaders in this community.

For more information about the SmartBabies Initiative contact Ashley Weaver, Director of SmartBabies Initiative via email or at 254-754-3404.