Siskin Children’s Institute recently released its fourth annual evaluation report comprised of data collected throughout the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The report provides measurements and detailed outcomes that reflect the institute’s work with children, families and professionals.

Officials said, "For more than six decades, the institute has been serving those with special needs in the Chattanooga area. Through the scope of its present-day programs, the Institute seeks to improve the quality of life for children of all abilities through excellence in education, outreach, health care and research. Today, the Institute’s reach extends to national and international levels."   

The report represents a vast amount of data that was collected throughout the fiscal year from dozens of information sources, then organized and thoroughly analyzed by institute staff. The data is displayed in the form of two main categories: impact with children and their families and with professionals. Within each category, specific goals are outlined, and the steps taken to achieve those goals are described.

“The outcomes produced in this report provide today’s donors with the data-driven measurements that define and direct the Institute’s decision-making process,” said John Farrimond, institute president and CEO. “The Institute is at an important juncture where data collected frequently allows us to respond to findings with immediate and impactful improvements to programs and services.”

In 2011-2012, 171 institute staff served 1,607 children and 1,809 families. Services were provided through the Institute’s ­­­two early learning centers, its home visiting program and the region’s only developmental pediatric center. Staff also interacted with more than 4,700 professionals throughout the country and around the world, including early childhood and early intervention specialists as well as medical and therapy students. This information sharing happened through consultations, training sessions, internships and conferences. 

Other noteworthy measurements outlined in the report:

• Eight early interventionists served 284 children in their home settings in 10 southeastern Tennessee counties.
• The Center for Developmental Pediatrics served 949 children from 145 communities in six states for a total of 9,102 visits.
• Children were assisted in reaching educational goals by caring staff: 21 teachers, 62 teaching partners, 12 therapists (OT, SLP and PT), one registered nurse and 14 support staff. 

“The data collected and reported is a testament to the growth of the Institute,” said Scott LeRoy, institute board chairman. “This information is a tremendous resource for us as our reach continues to expand and as we continuously look for ways in which we can better serve children and families.”

For more details about Siskin Children’s Institute’s 2011-2012 evaluation report, visit www.siskin.org/evaluation11-12.