LENA Start

Talk builds babies' brains! 

Have you ever wondered how much you talk with your baby/toddler?

LENA Start is an 8-week program that helps parents with children 0 - 32 months increase back-and-forth talk. Weekly sessions combine videos and group discussion to build knowledge and skills that you can put into practice with your child.  
 

How does LENA Start work?

LENA device in vest

  • Attend weekly, hour-long sessions (in-person or virtually on Zoom) * 
  • Complete one LENA Day per week with the LENA device (Read more about the LENA device here: https://www.lena.org/technology/)  
  • Upload LENA device using your home computer OR by exchanging at a library  
  • Receive a detailed report of the amount you talk with your child and track your progress through the program 

At the end of the program, qualifying families ** receive: 

•    8 children’s books    
•    $20 gift card    
*Your child does not have to attend sessions with you to participate in the program.   
**Participants must attend 7 sessions, complete 6 recordings, and return their LENA device.



** IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING **

LENA Start is open to residents of El Paso and Teller counties only and registration is required.  
One child per family may participate. If you have previously completed the LENA Start program, you are not eligible to participate again.  
If you are registering for a virtual LENA Start series, it is mandatory to attend the in-person orientation to participate in the program. 



In-Person Orientation:

(Attendance at in-person orientation is mandatory to participate in the program and is for registered participants only.)
Thu., Jan. 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Library 21c



PPLD is offering TWO virtual sessions in Winter 2025! Registration is open Dec. 30, 2024 - Jan. 10, 2025.
 

Virtual Evenings

The final class for both sessions is an in-person graduation on Wed., March 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Future Session Dates 

  • Spring 2025: April 15/16 - June 4 (Registration opens March 24.)
  • Summer 2025: July 1/2 - Aug. 19 (Registration opens June 9.)