Reference Catalog

A Report on Risk Characteristics Among Young Children and Families in the Baby TALK Demonstration Program: 2008-2010, with Select Comparative Local, State, and National Data from 2003-2010

Aimee Hilado, Christine Leow, and John Hornstein

• Other Models

Baby TALK, Inc. is a nationally recognized organization, known for its innovative intervention model that supports young children and their families. In 1986, the Baby TALK model was developed in Baby TALK, Inc.’s largest demonstration program in Decatur, Illinois. Since then, the model has been replicated in early childhood programs within 36 states and Canada. Additionally, the Illinois State Board of Education has approved the use of the Baby TALK model in statewide early childhood settings because of its research-based, intensive approach for serving young children birth to three years in age.

This publication is the first installment of a series of reports and scholarly articles that will examine the Baby TALK model, the various components of the model, and the ways in which the model is used to aid highrisk families. In this research brief, we examine the risk characteristics of children and families in the Baby TALK demonstration program and compare those characteristics with demographic data at the county, state, and federal level. In short, this brief provides empirical evidence indicating the Baby TALK model does identify and serve a high-risk population in the demonstration program. (author description)

Ongoing

• Participant Characteristics
• Participant, Family, and Program Outcomes
• Program Quality, Continuous Quality Improvement, and Fidelity