Words To Grow On overview

1. WordsToGrowOn
One line venture overview (<50 words): Words To Grow On is a social enterprise innovating ways
to improve early development. We are creating new products and services for parents and caregivers
that are informed by adult learning, early childhood, and neuroscience - all with a focus on increasing
language and interaction and building responsive parent-to-baby relationships.
Impact statement: (<50 words): Words To Grow On is developing evidence-based interventions in
new, novel formats. We aim to provide ECD information to parents in ways ranging from fun, informal
home parties, to mobile audio coaching apps that are entertaining and grounded in the research of
language learning in both infants and adults.
CEO: Peggy A. Sissel, Ed.D.
Location: Little Rock, AR FTEs: 1
Structure: For-profit social enterprise; LLC
Website: WordsToGrowOn.com
Focus: Reaching parents with ECD information & products at home
CEO picture
here
The product/service and customer/user:
• Our primary market is 9 million lower-middle and middle class mothers of
0-3yr olds in the U.S. Including family/friends expands our supportive reach.
• The business is centered on our "Heart to Heart" home events. Since
millennials value experiences, we engage them with creative activities that
educate, spurdiscussion and build camaraderie.
• All product offerings supportoptimal outcomes. Our proprietary products
include our evidence-informed audio coaching appTime2Talk2Baby, and
Next Steps for Baby - a survey-based,personalized plan for parentsthat
"prescribes"free and easythings they can do to help their child get readyfor
K.
• We are also curating a collection of other companies' productsto include in
ourofferings: LENA's digital languageassessment, Oyalab's a hi-tech word
counter,BabyNoggin's developmental assessment app, anditems from
othersin Early Futures. We will also sell boardbooks andpromote free apps
thatsupportparents' effortstoward better development (Vroom, Bright by
Text).
Distribution and growth strategy:
• Home is where the heart is. Our "Heart to Heart" home events capitalize on
the sociability of the home setting, on parents' hope for the future, their
desire to know what's best, their need for support from their community, and
the importance of getting everyone on the same page about what all babies
need to thrive.
• Our difference will drive growth. Parent education that is packaged in a
party and empowers parents and the community emphasizes the pleasures of
parenthood while also addressing the worries. Our difference is also in our
use of EC teachers and home visitors as independent reps. Passionate but
underpaid, we can offer them an attractive way to make extra income. Their
credibility and commitment to children, in combination with our innovative
program will set us apart as the new "Pampered Chef for parents.
• Word of mouth will also be a powerful distribution channel. Our fun,
engaging format is designed to get participants talking during AND after the
event. As they tell others about the "AHA" moments they had at their Heart
to Heart, it will encourage additional bookings and greater attendance.
Current impact and targets:
• Consumer research: Extensive consumer interviews and initial testing of
Heart to Heart events have revealed interest and enthusiasm. Both concept
and business model are seen as valuable/viable. Event testing continues.
• Pivot: This feedback has prompted us to pivot slightly, moving from a
singular Heart to Heart event to instead offering 3 similar, but age-related
events for parents. By covering the 1-18 mos, 18-36 mos, and the 3-5
years separately, we can focus on specific developmental issues while also
culti-vating repeat business from parents. For services to parents of
newborns, we are creating a mutually beneficial referral network with
doulas.
• Additional activities: As a result of the pivot, we are in the process of
creating additional games/activities, determining most effective sequencing
and evaluating best ways to incorporate introductions to related products.
• Product Expansion: Based on the successful test of our Time2Talk2Baby
App we are submitting an additional, similar idea that brings ECD
information to mothers in refugee camps.
Your ask
Advice and assistance with endorsements, strategic partnerships, board and staff recruitment
.
Traction and team:
• Partnerships & Referral Networks: Groups such as The Early Childhood
Innovation Network, The Delta iFund, Women Influencers, Power Moms,
the Grade Level Reading Campaign, Reach Out and Read, AR Home Visiting
Network and more are being used to promote and test activities and
events. Additional referral networks are also being strategized.
• Team: We have a great team of PhD level researchers , consultants, and
advisors from universities around the country.
• Promotion: Our focus is currently on the local area with presentations
and tables at festivals, diaper drives, wellness programs, conferences, and
small business events to build interest. Next steps are being planned.
• Advanced Research: The Bridging the Word Gap Practice-Based Research
Collaborative has invited our participation and will give us feedback and
suggestions from researchers across the nation as we develop a protocol
to test the effects of our model on children, families, and communities.
We also are submitting proposals for more research and development.