Health care representatives and policymakers in Pennsylvania are warning of declining maternity services in rural parts of the commonwealth, a shift that’s making it harder for pregnant women in these communities to access vital care. But as hospitals continue to close down labor units and obstetricians exit some small towns, an array of organizations are […]

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “I had no idea about the experience of childbirth at all,” said Jasmine Jackson. “And now, we have a cute little baby boy.” Jasmine Jackson and Mark Matthews are the proud parents of 6-month-old Malakhi Matthews. The new parents from Southwest Philadelphia had a lot to figure out on their own. But […]

Outreach, based in Scranton, wants a region full of stronger dads. In the last year, the organization has expanded its programs for fathers, including starting a support group and increasing father involvement in family offerings, such as the program that brings Lewis to Duran’s apartment every other week. Lewis joined the center’s Parents as Teachers […]

xperts say it’s hard to overstate the importance of getting babies and young children off to a good start, both physically and intellectually. “Healthy development in the early years provides the building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities and successful parenting of the next generation,” Harvard University’s Center on […]

HARRISBURG, PA (July 6, 2023) – Today, the principal partners of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five, issued the following statements regarding House Bill 611 that still awaits the signature of the Senate President Pro Tempore and finally Governor Shapiro to become […]

Partners of Early Learning PA Coalition says new polling data shows voters widely support early childhood care and education programs. The data, commissioned by the Early Learning PA Coalition and conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, comes two weeks after a judge ruled Pennsylvania does not equitably fund public education. The poll, conducted from Feb. 1 […]

There is no shortage of statistics or reports showing the lack of reproductive health care, and its effects, in Pennsylvania: More than 105,000 women between 18-44 years of age have limited or no access to maternity care, Physician General Denise Johnson has said. A study from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that 19 counties have […]

Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based model that serves lower-income, first-time mothers starting before the 29th week of pregnancy and ending when the child is 2 years of age. Backed by 40 years of research, Nurse-Family Partnership provides education, assessment, support and resources to help first-time parents and their children succeed. Regular home visits in pregnancy, […]

Parenthood comes with its own challenges: lack of sleep, a disrupted routine, physical and emotional changes you might need support for, trying to find new-parent friends, impractical advice from people who know nothing about your child, and more. That’s why Kutest Kids’ Parents as Teachers — a Philly-based program that runs free home visits and community programming — has just launched a […]