Our Impact
“Everyday interactions can have a big impact on developing brains throughout childhood, starting even before babies can talk.”
– Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
The first three years of life offer children a critical opportunity; our investments during this time can transform their trajectory. At the Storefront, we combine the science of brain development with community building and family support so that parents, caregivers, and children can build a foundation for lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing.
Our research shows that our unique model has a significant and positive impact. We are proud to have received the feedback below directly from our program participants.
the Power of Play
In a recent survey, 100% of parents and caregivers said that after participating in our program, they had a better understanding of how playing with their child strengthens their child’s brain. Our coaches create opportunities to learn about, practice, and adopt simple strategies that have an outsized impact.
In the last year alone, the Storefront has served over 500 families. This exponential growth is a testament to the power of community and the investment parents and caregivers are making in their children.
This year, we are on track to welcome 650 families to our Play & Learn Center — that means nearly 1,500 moms, dads, grandparents, aunties, siblings, caregivers, and children will join our program! We are honored to support and celebrate our families and neighbors.
90% of participating parents and caregivers shared that they’ve integrated new activities learned at The Children’s Storefront into their routines with their child, helping to build language skills, emotional regulation, and other facets of healthy brain development.
“I started using the Serve and Return technique more consciously. Observing other parents interact with their children was inspiring.”
“During the pandemic, the introduction of sensory play helped us cope with long afternoons of boredom. I don’t get as frazzled as I normally would.”
“It has been very encouraging to get tips for dealing with my daughter. I feel more empowered and confident in my abilities to deal with daily challenges as they arise.”
81% of participants were better able to recognize their child’s signals and cues, and 95% learned new, positive strategies to use those cues to support healthy behaviors in their child.
“The activities suggested for each class have been very helpful in showing me how everyday items can become toys and objects of learning.”
“We now read every night – she enjoys the routine. I use the goodbye song for leaving the park or time to tidy up toys at the end of the day.”
“It’s become a habit to always repeat what my child tells me and I feel like it encourages her. My child has developed an extensive vocabulary!”
100% of participants reported that they feel a true sense of community, both with other families and with the Storefront team. 100% also shared that they feel well supported.
“This program has kept me steady many times. Positive feedback has been reassuring.”
"It’s been so nice getting to know others from the neighborhood. We all look forward to Wednesdays now because we know it means getting to go to Storefront after school.”
“This is a really great space and I love all the backgrounds and people.”
100% of our participants shared that they would recommend our program to other families. We are so grateful that the majority of our families join us through the recommendation of their friends, family, and neighbors!
"As a parent, I love having a space to connect with other caregivers of children in the same age group. We're so thankful to have such an important resource in our community!"
"We truly appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into planning the activities for each session and how the coaches expertly lead us through them all."
"As a new solo mom, I felt overwhelmed with a little one. But the [Storefront coaches] encouraged me and helped me gain confidence with playing and stimulating my baby girl."
