Now Offering Evidence-Based Training for Real World Impact | | |
Because The Baby Fold knows that healing happens when caregivers, professionals, and communities have the right tools, we’re excited to share our new training calendar—packed with sessions designed to help children and families thrive.
Led by experienced clinicians and subject matter experts, these trainings provide practical, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused strategies rooted in decades of clinical experience. Whether attendees are parents, educators, clinicians, or community partners, they'll gain actionable knowledge and tools to immediately strengthen support for children and families.
Additionally, many sessions also offer continuing education (CEU) credits, helping participants grow professionally while meeting licensure requirements.
Upcoming trainings include:
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March 2-5 – (Registration now closed.) Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy - Level One Training: Learn the foundations of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, which explores developmental trauma, attachment theory, intersubjectivity, and child development, with a focus on how caregivers (adoptive parents, foster caregivers, and residential staff) play a vital role in healing.
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March 10, 2026 – Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) & Trauma: Caregiver & Clinical Tools: A virtual training designed for clinicians with practical strategies to support children with PDA traits and trauma histories.
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April 7-8, 2026 – Advanced EMDR: Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for Children: A two-day training that explores the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) Integrative Attachment Protocol for Children (IATP-C). This model is designed to support children and teens with complex histories, including attachment disruptions, behavioral and emotional challenges, and difficult family dynamics.
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May 2026 – Family Training Session (Date/Time TBA): More details and registration info coming soon.
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August 2026 – Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) & Trauma: Caregiver & Clinical Tools (Date/Time TBA): A supportive, trauma-informed training designed for teachers, offering practical tools for communicating with children experiencing symptoms of PDA.
| Don’t miss these expanded opportunities to grow, connect, and strengthen skills that change lives! Click here to explore the full schedule, register for sessions, and be part of a healing-centered community committed to making a lasting impact. | | A Village of Support Behind Every Adoption | | |
Behind every adoption celebration is a team of dedicated professionals walking alongside families through both joyful milestones and complex challenges. Their compassion and persistence make lasting permanency possible for children and ongoing stability for families.
Recently, The Baby Fold hosted the quarterly statewide supervisors meeting for Illinois’ Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) programs, bringing together leaders from across the state for collaboration and connection.
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Attendees shared stories of adoption celebrations held in courthouses throughout Illinois and reflected on the collective impact made in the lives of families. A phrase that resonated throughout the meeting was “we are the village.” It captures the heart of our work — serving as a support system, lifeline, and meaningful connection to community for families navigating the adoption journey.
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As part of this statewide collaboration, staff across Illinois wore specially created t-shirts and each site displayed original artwork symbolizing the strength of our connections and the true purpose behind our services.
Together with our fellow ASAP partners, The Baby Fold is honored to stand as a village that walks alongside adoptive families, celebrating milestones, offering guidance, and ensuring no family feels alone.
| | Where Learning and Celebration Meet | | |
Special education students at The Baby Fold's Hammitt School on Willow have been celebrating Black History Month by learning about and discussing the remarkable contributions of Black musicians.
Classrooms feature bulletin boards highlighting artists explored in these lessons, helping students build understanding, appreciation, and connection through music and culture.
Students also enjoyed Valentine’s Day celebrations, including exchanging valentines and craft projects. Older students explored their creativity through cardboard string art and painted rocks. These festive, hands-on activities support fine motor development, coordination, problem-solving skills.
When students have room to explore and connect, they develop socially, cognitively, and creatively while celebrating the stories and experiences they share.
| | Sharing Quality Improvement Expertise at the National Level | | |
The Baby Fold’s Quality Improvement (QI) team is taking its experience on the road—sharing strategies and lessons learned to support other child welfare agencies in strengthening their programs.
In Indianapolis this March, Lara Raper (center), Vice President of QI, will join colleagues from Spero Family Services and Chaddock to present at “The Gathering” a first-ever national conference of five faith-based aging services organizations. The event will bring together roughly 500 leaders for workshops focused on collaboration and innovation in service.
Their session, “More Than Compliance: Building a Culture of Quality Across Programs,” was developed at the request of EAGLE (Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence), the nation’s only faith-based accrediting body, in recognition of the quality improvement work taking place across our agencies.
Presenters will share practical ways to integrate Continuous Quality Improvement into everyday services, including tools and approaches that support diverse programs. The session will also explore how to create a culture of learning and reflection, going beyond compliance to make a real, mission-driven impact.
By sharing these strategies and lessons learned with others, we all benefit—caregivers are better supported, programs are stronger, and children, families, and communities thrive.
| | Making a Difference, One Volunteer at a Time | | |
Whether they share time or talents, our kind volunteers jump right in to support The Baby Fold!
Recently, members of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Illinois State University put their organizing talents to work at Hammitt School at Willow, sprucing up the kitchen and gym storage room.
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And, clinical nursing students from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University lent a hand to our Development and Public Relations team, helping prep materials that support our children and families.
We’re grateful for an engaged community that helps make a difference every day!
Interested in volunteer opportunities? Reach out to Rev. Tom Goodell, our Faith and Community Engagement Officer, or (309) 557-1059 or tgoodell@thebabyfold.org.
| | Helping Children Adjust to Daylight Saving Time | |
Sunday, March 8 is around the corner! To help children adjust smoothly:
- Keep the weekend flexible and practice patience
- Maintain familiar routines
- Adjust lighting to support sleep
- Gradually shift bedtime and wake time in 15-minute increments—or adjust all at once
With longer days and more sunlight, spring is a natural mood booster! Extra sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, triggers serotonin, and regulates our internal body clock to support better sleep and overall mental health. So step outside, open windows, or take a short family walk!
| Springing into Healthier Families | |
Healthy Start, The Baby Fold’s home visiting program for expectant parents and families with young children, partners with families to support healthy child development, strengthen parenting skills, and build safe, nurturing homes.
This March, they are celebrating the arrival of spring with fun and engaging activities!
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Featured Book: The Spring Book by Todd Parr
Celebrate the season with humor and heart! From dancing in the rain to honoring heroes, this story introduces young readers to the many joys of spring.
Activity Corner: Learning About Rain
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For Babies: Create “rain” in the bathtub by pouring water from pitchers or strainers, blow bubbles, and sing “Rain, Rain, Go Away.”

- For Toddlers: Make a simple weather chart together and observe daily changes.
- For Older Toddlers: Bundle up for a rain walk and explore puddles, leaves, and raindrops.
Here’s to brighter days, fresh starts, and joyful family moments together this spring!
| | They Opened Their Hearts. We Walk with Them Every Step. | | |
Foster parents who lovingly open their hearts and homes to children during their most difficult moments deserve meaningful support and the resources — and The Baby Fold’s Foster Care team is committed to providing just that.
Recently, foster parents enjoyed a free financial education session just in time for tax season. And more opportunities are coming in March, including a training on partnering with birth families and a lunchtime learning session focused on adoption and guardianship.
We are grateful for our dedicated foster parents who continue to grow in knowledge and commitment as they care for local children in need.
Do you have questions about the fostering process? Please reach out to our Foster Care team at (309) 557-1121, email Fosterparentinquiries@thebabyfold.org, or visit our website.
| | Family Quick Tips from Baby Fold Therapists | |
Hard moments don’t come with warnings. They show up as big emotions, shutdowns, or explosive words. In those moments, it’s easy to default to control—but a trauma-informed philosophy of care reminds us that connection must come before correction.
When a child is dysregulated, their brain is in survival mode. What helps most is a calm, regulated adult offering safety through words and tone.
Here are some simple scripts you can use to build trust and guide behavior:
- “You’re safe. I’m right here.”
- “Your feelings make sense.”
- “Let’s figure this out together.”
- “Try that again with respect.”
- “I can’t let you ___, but I can help you.”
Remember, tone matters. When children feel seen and safe, their brains shift back into connection where healing and learning can begin.
Connection first. Correction second. Trust always.
| | Thanks to your giving heart, children and families receive the care they need. With new, convenient ways to give, your impact can go even further. | | | | |
