The initiative is managed by the Colorado Children's Campaign. Program participants chose one of four options, from only viewing the program to obtaining college credit. The project's final report will be available early in 1996. A community task force had found that the main reasons teen parents dropped out of school were the lack of adequate child care and the lack of supportive adults in their lives. The result of the coalition's efforts is Baby Steps, a center for infants and toddlers, which provides convenient and affordable care and other supports so that teen parents can complete their high school education.
Teens bring their babies to the center and then go to school for regular classes.
During one period, they return to Baby Steps for a state approved child development course for which they receive school credit. The students learn developmental theory and parenting skills while interacting with the children. The ability of the caregivers to serve as role models is important. Caregivers work with teens who are often struggling with their own development, the demands of parenthood, and a need for a positive self image. It is a creative and positive response to a problem, reflected by a marked increase in teen parent graduations and academic achievements, including one young woman who was named a National Merit Commended Scholar.