Baby TALK is an educational, non-profit organization based in Decatur, IL whose mission is to positively impact child development by nurturing healthy and responsive relationships during the critical early years.

Founded in 1986, Baby TALK is a community family engagement model which provides the framework to guide home visitors, teachers, social workers, family support specialists and community partners in nurturing school readiness and optimal child development in their community by providing opportunities for infants, toddlers and their caregivers.

Baby TALK- RefugeeOne Randomized Controlled Trial: A study examining the impact of home visitation among refugee and immigrant families. Submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness (HomVEE) Registry.

Baby TALK Curriculum is a research-based curriculum that has been used to support Parent and Family Engagement for over 35 years; 400+ pieces of curricula designed to promote family-child interactions and engage families in their child’s learning across domains. 300+ pieces support engagement and reflection on child development with families

In addition to meeting funders’ goals of finding and supporting children considered the most at-risk, the Baby TALK Curriculum meets the Head Start Performance Standard, 1302.51: Parent Activities to promote child learning and development.

Baby TALK has trained professionals in 36 states. Find a Baby TALK program near you.

Baby TALK staff connect with families and their newborns at Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Obstetrics Units. Staff come alongside families to celebrate the arrival of their new baby and honor the growing bond between parents and their baby.

At every Baby TALK newborn encounter, the professional connects with the family over their shared interest in the baby promoting these four goals: Connect: To “join” families in the beginning. Engage: To discover babies together with families. Strengthen: To learn of the opportunities with families. Reflect: To offer appropriate resources

Please join Baby TALK at our annual fundraiser on March 1st, 2024, for a night of fun fueled entertainment with the Dueling pianos, dinner, drinks and silent auction items. Read the latest news from Baby TALK and view upcoming events.

Baby TALK, along with community collaborators, hosts regular events open to all community families with young children. These events include The Lullaby Concert, International Mud Day Celebration, and The Cardboard Challenge. Check out …