Film spotlights infant learning program successes in Mat-Su — and potential cost of underfunding it

Film spotlights infant learning program successes in Mat-Su — and potential cost of underfunding it

Melissa Lewis holds her three-month-old baby Twila at a screening and event in support of Alaska infant learning programs at the Gold Town Theater in Juneau on Apr 29, 2025. She said while her baby is not showing signs of delays or needing intervention services, they attended the event to support the cause and more state funding and support for early childhood programs. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)It was a pediatrician that first refer…

Film spotlights infant learning program successes in Mat-Su -- and potential cost of underfunding it

By Corinne SmithAlaska BeaconWhat you need to know:A new short film highlighting shows a week in the life of the staff at the Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults Inc. infant learning program which provides early intervention services for families and young children who are experiencing developmental delays.Under current law, only children with at least a 50% developmental delay qualify for services, leaving out many who could benefit, like p…