programs — Start at Zero

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 Family & Community Support Workers who support them to enhance their child’s learning and development for FREE. This special program features weekly meetings using the nationally-recognized, evidence-based Parents as 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 Family & Community Support Worker 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

Our play-based program features the evidence-based Kaleidoscope Play and Learn® model. Parents/caregivers and their children join together for free interactive early childhood experiences around the city. Whether visiting a museum, learning about all the resources of our local library, or splashing around a water park, both children and families get to prioritize play!

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 1-2x weekly during spring and fall

Location

Varies

send me the next group connections schedule

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 adults in our community 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!