BABY UNIVERSITY CAN HELP
HOW WE HELP
- Mission
To effectively prepare children for lifelong success, from healthy pregnancies through early childhood development.
- Mentoring and Coaching
Baby U provides one-on-one mentoring to help expectant mothers and families access resources and achieve goals. Baby U works with families to identify strengths, locate resources, and achieve goals.
- Resource Connections
Baby U has partnered with over 20 local organizations to connect families with needed resources such as quality prenatal care, baby supplies, childcare, and more.
- Education
Baby U promotes healthy pregnancies, nutrition, and early childhood development through education and referrals.
- Community-Building
Baby U links families to supportive networks within one’s own neighborhood and community, thus building stronger community networks.
PARTNER LIST
Baby University would like to thank the City of Chattanooga for providing funding for our essential services. Our ability to serve in local neighborhoods would not be possible without the support of our city government.
To see the full list of Baby U partners, click below.
REFERRALS
We can’t do this without you! If you know a family in our zip codes who may benefit from Baby Universities resources, please fill out the linked referral form.
HOW CAN YOU HELP BABY UNIVERSITY GIVE BACK
We have partnered with Purposity to make sure all our family’s needs are met. Click the link below to make an in-kind donation or contact Elizabeth Cotellese at (423) 805-6015 or Elizabeth.Cotellese@signalcenters.org.
Our Partners
Baby University is grateful for the support from the City of Chattanooga and Mayor Andy Berke. Our program began as a pilot funded by the city and now provides multiple services to the families in our community. We want to recognize our many partners.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
Centerstone Mental Health Centers
Chattanooga – Hamilton County Health Department
Chattanooga – Hamilton County Head Start
Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga
Hamilton County Department of Education
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Safe Journey Program
Partnership for Families, Children & Adults
Tennessee Early Intervention Services
The University of Tennessee Social Work Office of Research and Public Service
Sponsors
Contact Information
To get in touch with us, please contact Director Elizabeth W. Cotellese, LMSW at (423) 805-6015 or email elizabeth_cotellese@signalcenters.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Baby University help me
Baby U provides education, resources, and support to pregnant parents and families raising young children. Services are provided through intensive case management. Baby U offers:
- Education regarding healthy pregnancies and early childhood development
- Links to resources including books, toys, limited baby items, employment, housing, continuing education, transportation to medical and school appointments, and other vital resources.
- Support through frequent meetings with an assigned case manager, community workshops, fatherhood services, and family activities.
Who is eligible
Parents who are pregnant or anyone raising a child under 5 years old.
Can you make exceptions
Sometimes! Exceptions may be made for those who are homeless, survivors of interpersonal violence, teen parents, and those with any child in the home with a disability. But you MUST live within the City limits of Chattanooga.
What if I don’t qualify, but am still interested in services
Call us anyway. Our goal is to connect you with other services which may be helpful even if we cannot assist your family at this time.
What if I don’t qualify, but am still interested in services
We welcome all referrals, whether you’d like to refer yourself or if you’re working with a family you would like to refer (with the caregiver’s permission). Referrals can be made by calling Signal Centers at (423) 698-8528 or by submitting a referral form in English or Spanish. Referral forms may be submitted by emailing elizabeth_cotellese@signalcenters.org, by faxing the referral to (423) 624-1365 ATTN Baby U, or by submitting a referral directly from the website under the referral tab.
Do you have a waiting list
Not currently, but please call ASAP to join.
Do you provide services in Spanish
Yes! We have 4 bilingual case managers and a bilingual Baby U van driver.
Community and Events
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Baby U Holiday Event
Our two Baby University Christmas parties are the highlight of the season. One is for our Spanish speaking community. There are plenty of toys and Santa Claus always makes a guest appearance. We love celebrating with our families.
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Baby U Graduate Event
Held in conjunction with our holiday event, we recognize graduates for their self sufficiency success.
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Father's Day
We recognize the importance of the fathers of our Baby U families. We encourage fathers to be involved in their children's lives and offer 24/7 Dad Workshops to help dads be the best they can for their families.
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Outreach Events
The Baby University staff and our families enjoy activities together. The Discovery Museum and Chattanooga Football Club matches are just two of our activities.
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Creative Discovery Museum
Creative Discovery Museum is a leader in effectively sparking children's passions for learning through hands-on experiences, as well as, a vital educational resource collaborating with community partners across our region.
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