LENA Start
What is LENA Start?
LENA Start is a free parent education program for families with children under age 3. Through this eight-week program, parents and caregivers learn simple, practical ways to support their child's brain development through everyday conversations.
Research shows that back-and-forth conversations between children and caregivers play an important role in early brain development, language growth, and future school success. LENA Start helps families support language development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness during the critical first three years of life.
Who Is LENA Start For?
LENA Start is designed for:
- Parents and caregivers of children under age 3
- Families who want to support their child's language development
- Families looking for practical, research-based parenting strategies
- Caregivers interested in learning more about early childhood development
The program is available to all families and is offered in both English and Spanish.
How Does LENA Start Work?
During the eight-week program, families participate in weekly sessions where they learn about early brain development, language growth, and the importance of everyday conversations.
Families use LENA's innovative “talk pedometer” technology to better understand their child's language environment. The device measures the amount of talk and interaction children experience throughout the day. Families receive personalized feedback and explore simple strategies that can help increase meaningful conversations at home.
Sessions also provide opportunities to connect with other parents and caregivers while learning practical techniques that fit naturally into everyday routines.
Why Talking Matters for Babies and Toddlers
Children learn language through everyday interactions with the people who care for them most. Talking during meals, playtime, errands, bedtime routines, and other daily activities helps children build vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, and develop the foundation for future learning.
LENA Start helps families recognize these opportunities and make the most of the moments they already share together.
Questions Families May Have
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No. LENA Start is designed for families with children under age 3 and is available before children enter school. Families do not need to have a child currently enrolled in Mesquite ISD to participate.
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Families learn how early brain development works, why everyday conversations matter, and practical ways to increase meaningful interactions with their children. Participants also receive personalized feedback and support throughout the program.
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Families participating in the program receive access to LENA's "talk pedometer" technology as part of the program experience.
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Parents and caregivers can support early brain development by reading, playing, and talking with their children every day. These simple interactions help build language skills, strengthen relationships, and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. LENA Start provides practical strategies families can use during everyday routines.
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Yes. Strong language skills are an important foundation for learning, communication, reading, and school readiness. LENA Start helps families build these skills during the critical early years of development.
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LENA Start is offered at select Mesquite ISD elementary campuses and is available to families throughout the community.
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LENA Start is designed for families with children from birth to age 3. The program focuses on the early years, when children's brains are developing most rapidly, and language skills are beginning to develop.
Ready to Get Started?
Fall 2026 LENA Start sessions are coming soon! Check back for location information, session dates, and registration details.
Sessions and Locations Coming Soon