SOUTH BEND, IN / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Ready to Grow St. Joe, in a proud partnership with Conscious Discipline, has launched "Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains," a multi-year initiative designed to elevate learning, health, and family support for the county's youngest learners.
The program's official launch was celebrated on July 31 by more than 100 community members, educators, and local officials at a community center in St. Joseph County.
The initiative, supported by generous funding from the Valinhos and Asante Foundations, aims to build a sustainable, community-rooted model for social development, emotional literacy, and mental health for children from birth to age eight. The program will provide evidence-based, relationship-centered training and resources to both English and Spanish-speaking early childhood centers and home care programs.
The core of the initiative is to provide educators with intensive training and coaching.
"We know that you can't just hear something for it to work; you need to be supported and encouraged-that's where training and coaching come in," said Terri Kosik, Executive Director of Ready to Grow St. Joe. "Together, with the aligned materials, our reflective practices, our focus groups and those different threads of education, training and coaching will readily support the transformational change we're looking for."
The launch event featured several distinguished speakers, including South Bend Mayor James Mueller, who spoke on the importance of investing in early childhood for the health of the community. Laura Jensen, representing the Valinhos and Asante Foundations, emphasized the importance of relationship-centered approaches. A highlight of the event was an engaging presentation from Jill Molli, Conscious Discipline's Chief Growth Officer, who made complex neuroscience concepts accessible and empowering for attendees.
In its first year, the initiative will support two cohorts of 15 programs each, including licensed centers, registered ministries, school-based programs, and family childcare homes. Participants will receive in-person professional development, ongoing coaching, and comprehensive materials to embed Conscious Discipline practices into their classrooms.
Looking ahead, the program has a long-term vision for sustainability. Between 2026 and 2028, ten local early childhood professionals will be trained to become Conscious Discipline Endorsed Facilitators, creating local capacity to continue the training and growth for years to come.
About Ready to Grow St. Joe:
Ready to Grow St. Joe is a community-driven organization dedicated to building a pathway for early childhood development in St. Joseph County. It focuses on elevating learning, health, and wellness, and family support for the county's youngest learners through strategic partnerships and evidence-based programs.
About Conscious Discipline:
For over 25 years, Conscious Discipline has empowered educators, families, and communities to create safe, connected environments where children can thrive. Its approach integrates self-regulation, trauma responsiveness, and proven, brain-based practices to foster resilience and connection for optimal outcomes for all.
Media Contact:
Jenny Shannon
1-407-366-0233
jenny.shannon@consciousdiscipline.com
SOURCE: Conscious Discipline
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