Virginia Beach GrowSmart to Kick Off LENA Start Sessions in February

Virginia Beach GrowSmart is set to launch another session of LENA Start classes in February. This innovative program is for families with children ages 0–3 and helps to support interactive talk during this important brain development stage.

Research shows that increasing spoken language and conversation skills with children is key to brain stimulation. The 0–3 age window is a critical time in a child's development and is full of opportunities to support their school readiness.

LENA Start is a free group class for families and supports parents' ability to promote and participate in their child's learning. The sessions include engaging, facilitated conversations that introduce simple techniques adults can use to support their child's healthy development. Parents receive high-quality resources and a take-home book at each of the 10 weekly sessions. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish on the following days and times:

In-Person Classes:

• Mondays at 6 p.m., Williams Farm Recreation Center
  Orientation: Feb. 20, 2023

• Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Bow Creek Recreation Center
  Orientation: Feb. 22, 2023, *BILINGUAL (English/Spanish)

• Thursdays at 10 a.m., Central Library
  Orientation: March 9, 2023, *BILINGUAL (English/Spanish)

Virtual Classes:

• Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Virtual Via Zoom
  Orientation: Feb. 22, 2023

• Thursdays at 6 p.m., Virtual Via Zoom
  Orientation: Feb. 23, 2023

To register for a LENA Start class, complete the Caregiver Interest Form. For more information, visit www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start or contact Virginia Beach GrowSmart at vbgrowsmart@vbgov.com or 757-385-0144.

ABOUT VIRGINIA BEACH GROWSMART:

GrowSmart is operated through the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. GrowSmart exists to promote and improve the healthy development, school readiness, and reading proficiency of young children ages 0-8. In addition to providing resources for parents and families, GrowSmart also offers programming to ensure the availability of high-quality early education. Visit https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/ for more information.

Virginia Beach GrowSmart to Kick Off LENA Start Sessions in February

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