The first three years of a child’s life are vital to brain development, and talk is one of the most important factors. Parents can come learn about an initiative that will set their child up for success in school and beyond on February 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau. A second, identical session will be held on February 22 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., also at the library.

Attendees will learn about the LENA Start program, which measures a parent’s verbal interaction with their children ages birth to 32 months and provides families with simple talking tips to build babies’ brains. During these two sessions, parents and caregivers will learn more about LENA, how the program works and how to get you and your child registered at this informational session provided by LENA trained staff. Free childcare will be provided for all attendees.

The Marathon County Public Library will serve as the first LENA Start site in the state of Wisconsin. The LENA Start program is made possible through a partnership between the Marathon County Public Library, the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS,) Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin.

This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. For more information, call 715-261-7220 or visit https://mcpl.us/events/4755.