Talaris Institute, located in Seattle, WA, works to support parents and caregivers in raising socially and emotionally healthy children.

Talaris was founded in 2000 by Bruce and Jolene McCaw. Based on their own experiences as new parents, the McCaw’s saw an opportunity to help other parents with up-to-date, research-based information, after hearing a speech by University of Washington molecular biologist, John Medina, Ph.D. Dr. Medina’s presentation outlined what he saw as a “brain friendly” educational system, combining the science of learning with the practice of learning. He reasoned that focusing on how babies and children think and feel would provide insight into our innate learning capabilities. That in turn would begin to reaffirm and re-imagine parenting and educational practices. Dr. Medina became Talaris’s Founding Director, serving in that capacity for five years.

Recognizing that a substantial gap exists between what scientists know and what parents practice, Talaris has adopted a programmatic approach to translate scientific knowledge into tools for parents and other caregivers. At the core of all of Talaris’s work is the mission of advancing knowledge of early childhood learning and the importance of parenting.

In 2004, Talaris, in partnership with KCTS-TV/Seattle, developed the “Parenting Counts: A Focus on Early Learning” program for PBS stations across the country. This multi-media parenting education program features one-minute television spots and companion workshops for parents, which are being delivered in nearly 50 communities around the country. Parenting Counts topics focus on social and emotional development in the first years of life. The workshop programs provide parents with a better understanding of early childhood social, emotional and cognitive development, as well as supportive, practical tips for enhancing the parent-child relationship.

Talaris continues to work to expand Parenting Counts nationally, as well as to develop additional programs that support parents and caregivers.