our programs
parents as teachers® home visiting
Our signature home visiting program is designed to support families with children prenatal to age 5, for 2 years or more. Parents and caregivers partner with our Parent Educators who support them to enhance their child’s learning and development for FREE. This special program features weekly meetings using the nationally-recognized Parents and Teachers® curriculum. Meetings can happen at home, school, a community site, or even virtually!
Quality early childhood education helps little ones build cognitive skills, attentiveness, motivation, and self-control. It turns knowledge into know-how and children into healthy, productive adults. Home visiting is for everyone!
Availability
Monday – Saturday
Location
Your local school, home,
a community site, or even virtually!
developmental screenings
Understanding your child’s development is essential! If you live in the Kansas City metro area and have a child from birth to 5 1/2 years old, you are eligible to complete a free online developmental screening from Start at Zero. Parents and caregivers can complete a free online developmental screening for their child and receive the results of the screening from a Parent Educator within 5 business days.
The two screenings (called the ASQ-3 and the ASQ:SE) evaluates 6 domains: language, gross motor (using arms and legs), fine motor (using fingers and hands), problem-solving, personal-social and social/emotional skills. Depending on the screening results, connections can be made to early intervention, healthcare, or other resources.
If you would like to learn more about the developmental screenings process before beginning, please click here.
FOR INFORMATION IN ESPAÑOL, HAGA CLIC AQUÍ.
If a parent would like to complete the screening with the help of our staff, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Availability
Any time
Location
Here, there…anywhere!
group connections
Parents/caregivers and their children join together for FREE interactive early childhood experiences around the city, and feature the evidence-based Kaleidoscope Play and Learn® model. Whether visiting a museum, learning about all the resources of your local library, or splashing around a water park, both children and families are bound to have a great time!
Play is critical to healthy early childhood development and practicing important skills to be ready for kindergarten. We believe all children in Kansas City deserve access to fun, and freedom to play and explore.
Sign ups are always open. Be sure to add yourself to the mailing list so you don't miss the next dates for Group Connections!
Availability
Mid-week, mornings
Usually held once weekly during spring and fall
Location
Varies
PARENT CAFÉ
Parent Café is a series of conversations to keep families healthy and strong. Cafés are led by parents and caregivers with the goal of promoting positive relationships between the adults caring for young children. If you are a parent or caregiver, and interested in joining, let us know! You will be able to participate in a 3-part conversation with other parents that recognizes and affirms the gifts that each of us bring to the table. Then, develop yourself as a parent leader and take a meaningful role in future Parent Café sessions in our community!
Add yourself to the mailing list so you can be the first to know about the next Parent Café!
Availability
Mid-week, evenings
Usually held 1-3 times a semester
Bonus facts
Dinner and childcare often included
CHILDCARE PROVIDER COACHING
As of 2020, did you know that children aged 0-5 spend an average of 28 hours a week in the care of a non-family member? Their brains are growing rapidly and regularly positive experiences with a trusted, safe, and reliable caregiver can have long-term benefits.
Childcare provider coaching means support and workforce development for early childhood education centers and providers. We focus our efforts on providing training child care workers in cognitive, social, and emotional development to boost their ability to work together with parents to care for children.
Start at Zero also creates opportunities for leadership development for child care providers through its Family and Community Leadership Program. If you are interested in learning more, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced team.
Availability
Appointments available during childcare hours.
Location
In your home or child care center
LEGACY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
(FORMERLY FAMILY AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM)
Start at Zero’s Legacy Leadership Institute (LLI) is a 12-week short-format skills-based program created for parents and caregivers of children aged prenatal to age five, and professionals who serve those children and families. It includes retreats, workshops, and peer learning group sessions. Topics include public speaking and authentic storytelling, conceptualizations of power and privilege, responsive leadership in parenting, and more.
When we empower families and professionals to lead, we're supporting them as they support children. As a result, children can experience optimal early childhood development.
For reference, you can view the full Spring 2023 program schedule here. If you're interested in participating in the next cohort or referring someone from your organization, please complete an interest form or schedule a time to chat with our Program Coordinator here.
Availability
Our next cohort will begin in Spring 2024.
Cost
$500.00
*Scholarships, flexible payment options, and group pricing are available.