The Parent Information Center of Delaware, in partnership with the Division of Public Health, announces the recipients of the Family Support Healthcare Alliance Mini-Grant Program for 2023-24.

The initiative aims to build state and local capacity and test small-scale innovative strategies to improve the system of care for youth with special health care needs and their families.

This year’s grant recipients are:

• Children’s Beach House — Founded in 1936, this facility has devoted itself to meeting the most pressing needs of Delaware children, with its vision of a world where all kids reach their highest potential. It is being awarded $25,000 to expand its Youth Development Program.
• Down Syndrome Association of Delaware — Since 1979, the association has been a statewide nonprofit support group, serving as a resource promoting awareness, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It is being awarded $25,000 to work with these households.
• Teach Zen — Founded in 2016, Teach Zen is focused on supporting the early childhood industry with social-emotional learning. It is being awarded $25,000 to provide these educators and 3- to 5-year-old children of low-income families enrolled in early childhood programs with social-emotional instruction.

The three organizations were selected by a team of reviewers. Each was required to address one of the  Title V national performance measures for children with special needs in their applications.

The grant awardees are required to submit monthly reports, attend workshops and participate in the Family SHADE learning communities.