[Liberty, NY] On July 19th, Sullivan 180, in partnership with MISN (Maternal Infant Services Network), hosted a Sullivan Basics train-the-trainer program for individuals interested in positively impacting the growth and development of our youngest Sullivan County residents, infants and toddlers. Ten volunteers attended at the Liberty Methodist Church and learned more about ‘The Basics”, a public health initiative founded by Dr. Ron Ferguson to address achievement gaps by strengthening social, emotional and cognitive function in infants and toddlers.

Participants were introduced to The Basics principles which include Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing & Point; Count, Group and Compare; Explore through Movement and Play; Read and Discuss Stories. Upon completion of the workshop, they each received a Basics Sullivan tote bag complete with the curriculum and everything needed to start a group in their community. More information on The Basics can be found at www.thebasics.org

“From birth to five years of age, there is an exponential amount of brain growth that occurs,” said Arina L. Soler, MPH, Maternal & Child Health Outreach Coordinator at Sullivan 180. “The Basics principles are a great form of enrichment during such a crucial period of development.”

According to the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University, eighty percent of brain growth happens in the first three years of life. One recent study found that by the age of two, less advantaged children were six months behind more advantaged peers in language processing skills. “The Basics Sullivan seeks to close that gap and ensure that every child in Sullivan County gets off to the best possible start” said Soler.

The Basics community is a diverse network of organizations and individuals committed to a single goal: improving children’s life trajectories by making sure that all families have access to science-based strategies for making the most of the time they spend with their children from birth to age three. Whether in a clinic, a childcare center, a place of worship, or anywhere else, everyone has an important role to play in helping to spread the Basics. If you are interested in having or hosting a Basics Sullivan presentation or participating in a Basics Sullivan parents’ group, visit www.sullivan180.org or call 845-295-2680.

Sullivan 180 is working to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy with support from Bold Gold Media Group, The River Reporter, The Sullivan County Democrat, Manor Ink and WJFF Radio Catskill. Learn more at Sullivan180.org or Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.