Associated Pediatricians discuss dedication to education

Northwest Indiana clinic, Associated Pediatricians, has remained a dedicated fixture in the Region for over 50 years, standing strong as a resource for families in their efforts to maintain the health of children in the community. In recent years, the clinic has focused efforts on helping educate parents on various stages of child development, bringing in guidance from licensed and knowledgeable professionals in an accessible and supportive environment.

Associated Pediatricians’ practice manager, Dana Gibson, spoke on the importance of making connections with parents not just in exam rooms, but in classrooms as well.

“Education is at the heart of our mission because informed parents are empowered parents. When families understand what to expect, recognize developmental milestones, and know when to seek help, they are better equipped to make confident decisions for their children,” Gibson said. “We believe some of the most meaningful care we provide happens through education, prevention, and building lasting relationships with families.”

Associated Pediatricians offers a variety of courses to the public, including breastfeeding basics, newborn basics, potty training basics, as well as a new course focusing on maternal mental health during the perinatal and postpartum periods of pregnancy. 

This course will be taught by registered nurse (RN) Kylie Carden, a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate student working towards certifications in perinatal mental health. Overall, the course seeks to address questions, raise awareness, and provide resources for both new and expecting mothers through focus on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

In addition to these courses, Associated Pediatricians’ IMPETUS Grant initiative allows its behavioral health coordinators to offer various workshops centered on the mental and emotional well-being of children. These courses focus on a wide range of topics, including healthy sleep habits, emotional regulation, stress management, and other behavioral health needs.

The partnership Associated Pediatricians has with Kidworks, LLC allows the organization of a monthly developmental education series which platforms licensed therapists to present information about different areas of child development. This series also allows one on one developmental screenings for parents who would like to communicate with professionals about questions or concerns regarding their child’s development.

These classes are open to every parent and guardian in the community, even those who are not clinic patients. Associated Pediatricians additionally ensures accessibility through providing each class at no cost to attendees. Gibson shared more about this rationale.

“We believe every family should have access to high-quality, evidence-based education regardless of financial circumstances. By eliminating the cost barrier, we hope to make these resources available not only to our patients but to the entire community,” Gibson said.

In order to keep classes affordable to the public, the planning process for each course pulls from a network of connected medical professionals and volunteers in the Associated Pediatricians system. Each person involved works to lend their expertise to the process, undertaking tasks including identifying course topics, locating educators, promoting courses, and managing course registration. This labor spans many hours and pulls from many individuals, allowing Associated Pediatricians to continue sustaining its education initiatives at no cost to the public.

Gibson elaborated on the extent of planning that goes into each course.

“These classes are truly a labor of love. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health coordinators, and community partners volunteer their time because they genuinely believe education changes lives. The hours spent planning, teaching, and supporting these programs are not part of a requirement — they are an investment in the families and children of our community,” Gibson said. “We hope every family who attends leaves knowing they have a healthcare team that is committed to supporting them long before, during, and after they walk through our doors.”

In addition to rigorous planning, the clinic offers virtual sessions, when appropriate, for those who cannot attend physical classes at the Valparaiso office in order to keep classes open to all who are interested.

Courses hosted by Associated Pediatricians seek to leave participants feeling better equipped for childcare, as well as help them feel more connected to healthcare professionals in the pediatrics field. The classroom setting allows for connections that have the potential to prepare and aid parents and caregivers in the development of their children, even beyond the physical classroom.

“Our educational programs have connected families with healthcare professionals in a relaxed, supportive setting where they feel comfortable asking questions and gaining practical knowledge,” Gibson said. “The positive response and growing participation have reinforced the need for accessible, community-based education.”

As Associated Pediatricians looks towards the future, the organization hopes to continue broadening the scope of its course topics, as well as who is being reached by the program. Associated Pediatricians stress that these classes are open to anyone taking care or planning to take care of children, including new and expecting parents, grandparents, legal guardians, caregivers, and foster parents.

Gibson discussed the outreach goals in more detail.

“Our goal is to reach even more parents and caregivers with classes that promote physical, developmental, and mental health, strengthen family confidence, and provide support long before concerns become crises,” Gibson said. “By continuing to invest in education, we hope to build a healthier, more informed community — one family at a time.”

Through every action in their education initiative, Associated Pediatricians focus is on dedicating each moment to reaching parents and caregivers who need a space to develop their childcare skills. To the organization, any impact it has on participants is important.

“Every class we offer is a reflection of our passion for helping families feel supported, empowered, and never alone in their parenting journey,” Gibson said. “If even one parent leaves feeling more confident, one child benefits from earlier intervention, or one family feels more connected because of these programs, then every hour invested has been worthwhile.”

For more information about Associated Pediatricians’ educational courses, you can visit its Facebook, where the organization regularly announces details about upcoming classes. For more information about its services or practice, you can visit its website.