A Letter from Institute President and CEO John Farrimond

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for many mothers and their children. Last year, Valentine’s Day was particularly special for Kris Castro. Her son, Johnathan, who has an autism spectrum disorder and communication challenges, presented Kris with a gift she had been waiting all of Johnathan’s four years to hear…he said, “I love you.” Kris credits the early intervention her son received through Siskin Children’s Institute’s Early Learning Center and home visiting program for much of his progress.

Milestone moments like these abound because of the help the Institute offers to more than 1,600 children and their families in the Chattanooga region and beyond. Stories like Johnathan’s are the heartbeat of the organization and the reason why donors have supported the Institute’s work for more than 60 years.

Today’s donors need and deserve to know the data-driven measurements that define and direct the Institute’s decision-making process. This compendium is a high-level summary of the vast volume of data collected, organized and analyzed throughout the 2011-2012 fiscal year. More detailed information is available for those interested in a specific topic or program area. Additionally, the online version of this document includes links to other resources, accrediting organizations, family stories, and more. You may access it at www.siskin.org/evaluation11-12.

With four years of reportable data collected, our outcomes program has matured, and the information presented is ever-more robust. Siskin Children’s Institute has arrived at an important juncture where data collected at designated mid-year points allows the organization to respond to findings with immediate and impactful improvements to programs and services. Additionally, areas of analysis continue to expand. This year’s report examines development and fundraising data. The 2012-13 analysis will touch on previously unreported areas such as volunteer support and marketing and communications initiatives.

I invite you to delve into the data that quantifies the Institute’s impact and let it inform your investment in Siskin Children’s Institute. Providing evidence of effectiveness is essential and allows the organization to confidently confirm that the Institute’s education, health care, research and outreach programs produce incredible returns. It means a brighter future for children, like Johnathan, and his family.

However, data is but one way to gauge the vitality of an organization. I encourage you to keep your finger on the pulse of the Institute. Take a tour and meet the children your dollars are supporting. Volunteer your time as a classroom buddy or pediatric center volunteer. Attend our annual StyleWorks and StarNight fundraising events. Engage with us through Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, Inside the Institute. Check in often to our family stories page on the website. In fact, you can go there now (siskin.org/johnathan) to watch a video of Kris Castro describing that special Valentine’s Day when Johnathan uttered those three little words that spoke volumes.

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  2011-2012 Impact Overview

View the full 2011-2012 Evaluation Report

View the full media release

The 2011-2012 Evaluation Report is categorized by:

1) Impact overview
2) Our impact with children and families
3) Our impact with professionals

The information below outlines the Institute's overall goals and impact for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The full evaluation report includes substantiating information and statistics.

GOAL: Young children have the skills needed to reach their full potential.

78% of children in the early learning centers met or exceeded expectations for engagement

88% of children in the early learning centers met or exceeded expectations for independence

78% of children in the early learning centers met or exceeded expectations for social relationships

The average number of skills mastered for children served by the Home- and Community-Based Early Intervention (HCBEI) program increased from 17% to 41%

GOAL: The development of children and adolescents with developmental and behavioral conditions is maximized through high-quality developmental and behavioral health care.

949 children from 145 communities in six states received a diagnosis, treatment and therapy in the pediatric center.

GOAL: Families have the knowledge and emotional support to raise their children effectively. 

Families in the Home- and Community-Based Early Intervention (HCBEI) program reported an increase in satisfaction with home routines and with their quality of life.

GOAL: Professionals and decision-makers have evidence-based knowledge to serve young children effectively.

Researchers made 52 presentations in the United States and abroad.

Our practices and methods are used in nine countries and 30 states.

There were 125 requests for materials created by our research center.

GOAL: The fields of early intervention and early childhood special education are advanced through high-quality applied research.

Researchers were involved in 9 research studies. (For more information about the research studies, please see our website (siskin.org/studies) or contact the research center at 423-648-1792.)

Researchers wrote 13 professional journal articles.

Researchers wrote or were in the process of writing 5 books or book chapters.