About Us

All infants and young children in RI thrive through their experiences of nurturing and protective relationships with parents and all providers who care for them. We strive to uphold a parallel process in which families see themselves represented by a diverse, knowledgeable, and well-supported workforce. 

Relationships are the foundation for healthy development: babies require protective relationships
with nurturing parents; babies require supportive relationships among all providers who care for them

Reflection is a cornerstone of
the work: this involves both self-awareness and consideration of
and empathy/compassion for
others

Recognition of the specialized
skills and supports required for a strong and well-prepared
workforce; we are committed to providing professional development, reflective consultation, and endorsement
that acknowledges the critical
role of the diverse workforce in
the promotion of infant/early childhood mental health

Respect that each baby is born
into unique cultural and family circumstances—we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion practices that serve to mitigate
bias and disparity in the programs, practices, and systems that serve infants, young children and families

Back row: Beth Lobdell, Danita Roberts, and Steve Buka

Front row: Maryann Lynch, Sheila Grant Orphanides, Rob Jones, Susan Dickstein, Margaret Greene-Bromell, and Alan Harlam

Missing from photo: Cris Massey and Jessica Calle

Photographer: Alan Harlam