The Bright Beginnings Prenatal Component was written by Martha Edwards, PhD and Elana Katz, LCSW, LMT. It consists of six sessions of discussion and activities for expectant mothers. The focus is on developing a strong bond between the mother and her unborn child and promoting self care and healthy support systems during and after pregnancy. The Prenatal Component may also include group meetings with both parents.

The Bright Beginnings Parent-Child Group Component consists of 36 sessions (12 sessions for the first three years of a child’s life), and is based on the conceptual foundation provided by the Parenting Processes Model.1 Sessions are attended by parents with their infant or toddler. Each session is 1 to 1.5-hours and structured around a theme, e.g., how children communicate, what children learn through play, positive guidance. The sessions include discussion about the theme, application of the discussion in parent-child interactive activities, book exploration, and music.

The Bright Beginning Home Visiting Component provides an opportunity to individualize the program for each family. The Home Visitors uses the flexible manual to review ideas from the curriculum and to engage parents and their children in enjoyable and engaging activities. They also encourage parents to reflect on their own and their child’s behaviors and the underlying thoughts and feelings. These visits may also provide an opportunity to coach parents in specific parenting behaviors. 

The Bright Beginnings Video Review Component is another way to tailor the program for individual families and to promote reflection and understanding of both self and child. Parents are asked to play with their child “as they would at home” and are videotaped for 10-12 minutes while they play with toys, explore books, and blow bubbles. Afterwards, parents view the tape with a trained Bright Beginnings facilitator to highlight parenting strengths, to more deeply understand the children’s behaviors, and to reflect on parenting values, beliefs, goals, and behaviors.