The center is conducting a longitudinal study of the children in the Early Intervention Program, with matched controls from the Child Enrichment Program. We are also studying the kinds of changes that occur during treatment. There is little documentation of the efficacy of a psychoanalytically based intervention in a therapeutic nursery, and we hope to help fill that gap. Challenges and Rewards Developing an early childhood center is a complicated task. In today's world, an agency must develop and maintain relationships with the many other public and private community groups that deliver early childhood services.
Success requires community acceptance and support.
Budget and fundraising issues are everpresent. Even with our remarkable financial support from Lucy Daniels Inman, we still must raise many hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. On the clinical side, the teachers are under enormous strain and require much support, including hours of conferencing and supervision weekly. Despite the difficulties, an early childhood center is a uniquely rewarding project. Children are profoundly helped.