Year in Review Newsletter


Vol. 11, September 2024 - June 2025

Thank you for being part of our wonderful Baby Steps community! We're excited to share the latest edition of the Baby Steps Buzz, your source of information, highlights and activities of the Baby Steps program. Baby Steps is a family education program that provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for all families with a child/children aged birth to kindergarten and expecting families in Newport County.

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And now, for a recap of this past program year, which was filled with learning, laughter, and connection. From field trips to family workshops, here's a look back at all of the special moments shared together.



🌟 September: Brain Development Begins



We kicked off the year learning about how young brains grow. Families created "brain models" with yarn and pompoms, while children had fun making pinwheels to symbolize growing connections.

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🎃 October: Fall Adventures



We visited Escobar Farm with EBCAP’s Head Start for corn maze fun! Our Conexion Latina group enjoyed pumpkin picking at a local park. Mrs. Katz and Her Hats delighted families at the Middletown Library.

📖 November: Emotions & Storytime



Families explored emotional development with Amy Griffin, Implementation Support Specialist at Parents as Teachers National Center and Dr. Katherine Partridge from Bradley Hospital. Our Spanish-language group enjoyed an engaging Storytime with Sole!

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📚 December: Reading Matters



The Reach Out and Read program shared the importance of daily reading routines and the role of books in early development.

🧘 January: Stress Management



Caregivers learned helpful strategies to manage everyday stress while modeling calm and resilience for their children.

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🥦 February: Healthy Choices



The URI Snap-Ed team taught families how to read food labels, choose nutritious foods, and build healthy habits.

🐟 March: Marine Discoveries


Families had a blast at Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, exploring ocean life and learning about conservation.



We also hosted a fun dental hygiene session with Lydia Galloza, Dental Hygienist from EBCAP’s Dental Center.

🚽 April: Routines & Potty-Training


We discussed daily routines and potty-training challenges. Child development experts Dr. Katherine Partridge and Amy Griffin offered tips and support to parents.

🎵 May: Music & Joy



May was filled with rhythm and laughter thanks to Fiddle N Fun with Mr. Joel Beauchemin, who led music sessions for our families.

Joel Beauchemin from Fiddle N Fun teaching kids how to use the fiddle stick.

Families also took home a growing kit – to grow their own flowers together at home!

🎓 June: Celebration & Goodbyes


Our year ended with a joyful celebration in partnership with PBS Ready to Learn. Families enjoyed face painting, games, and honored our four amazing Baby Steps graduates! 🎉

Cristina Boza, Catalina Forero with her son Connor, Karla McCoin with her daughter Kiara, and Jane Manchester


Baby Steps graduates, Connor and Kiara.

Thank you, Cristina!


At our End of Year Celebration, we also said good-bye to former Baby Steps Coordinator, Cristina Boza.


Cristina was part of Baby Steps for several years, and we appreciate all of her effort and dedication to our program.


We wish her the best of luck in all future endeavors!

Upcoming Events

Summer fun is popping up in Newport!


Join Baby Steps & Early Head Start for a free family-friendly event with music, lawn games, water play, snacks, giveaways, and more!


🗓 July 28 & August 14

🕙 10:00 – 11:30 AM

📍 Miantonomi Memorial Park, 120 Hillside

Ave. in Newport


Open to children ages 0-5 and their caregivers (siblings welcome too). To register, please click here: Baby Steps and EHS Summer Pop Up

Stay in touch for new upcoming events during the summer. Our monthly playgroups take a break during the summer, but we are planning activities and surprises for you soon!


The registration for our program, starting in September, is currently OPEN!

Contact us for more information at babysteps@ebcap.org or call us at 401-367-2001 Ext. 2226

Thank you for your continued support of the Baby Steps program!


Your generous help and participation make it possible for Baby Steps to provide a strong community resource to increase early childhood literacy and support family development.


Baby Steps is a program of East Bay Community Action Program


CONTACT US


babysteps@ebcap.org

Phone (401) 367 - 2001 Ext. 2226

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