Spotlight

LENA

LENA accelerates child language development by using data from “talk pedometers” (small wearable devices that measure the amount of talk and interaction in a child’s environment) to coach parents and caregivers on increasing the number of serve-and-return interactions with children ages zero to three. 

The LENA Start program, which Overdeck Family Foundation funds in partnership with the Paul Family and Valhalla Charitable Foundation, is a group coaching model that combines objective, child-level feedback from LENA technology with engaging curriculum to increase interactive talk between adults and children. Over the course of 10 weekly sessions, parents and caregivers learn about the importance of interactive talk along with ways to incorporate more conversation into their daily routines, while also building social capital within the parent peer group.

The program has shown positive results in closing the early-talk gap, supporting kindergarten readiness, and building stronger families. Specifically, 52% of the children participating in LENA Start gain nearly two months of developmental skill for every month in the program. 48% of parent participants (parent and child) improve language quality by at least 10 percentile points at the time of graduation.

Portfolios

Enhancing each stage of childhood learning, from birth to graduation.

Photo courtesy of Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Children riding tricycles at preschool.

Our Investment Areas

The Foundation's investment areas encompass the whole child from birth through high school, both inside and outside the classroom. We focus on 1) early childhood, 2) educators, 3) schools, 4) out-of-school STEM opportunities, and 5) the use of data, including education data, to improve policy and practice.

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Early Impact

Support families, caregivers, and communities in accessing and using evidence-based parenting practices proven to make a difference in the early lives of children.

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Exceptional Educators

Empower teachers by providing them access to evidence-based preparation, high-quality instructional resources, and ongoing professional learning and leadership opportunities.

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Innovative Schools

Partner with schools to create student-centered, evidence-based learning environments that are responsive to learner and community needs.

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Inspired Minds

Improve access to out-of-school STEM opportunities, allowing children to unlock their curiosity and explore mind-expanding challenges.

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Data for Action

Increase the connectivity and usability of data in order to accelerate insights that improve practice and policy for children and families.

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