A new program called Vroom at Betty Brinn Children's Museum will give parents an easy way to boost their kids brain power.
Stay-at-home mom Keyvonia Pope has already used Vroom with her 3-year-old daughter Taylin.
"It actually helps me help her,” she said. “It gives me tips that I can use and help her learn in our everyday life."
At the center of Vroom is a free app that parents can download for free.
“It's an everyday reminder for parents that we can be brain builders with our children with everyday moments with our children like bath time, mealtime..when you're on the go," said Synovia Moss of the Betty Brinn Children's Museum.
The Herzfeld Foundation funded $50,000.00 to get Vroom started. Herzfeld President Bob Haberman notes that research shows the development of kids brains is most important between the ages of 1 and 5.
"That is when like the brain grows to like 85 percent of its total weight, and two thirds of its neurons. These neurons are created through relationships and give and take between an infant and a caregiver,” Haberman said.
Vroom is sponsored by the Jeff Bezos Foundation. Bezos is the founder of Amazon. The women's group Alego, (African American Ladies Empowering To Grow Opportunities) is working to get the word out.
"We know it's very important for kids to get involved with their education at a very early age, we know this is a powerful initiative and were happy to be partners with it,” said Nadiyah Johnson of Alego.
"Unfortunately the kids who are behind and never catch up are the ones who can get themselves all tangled up in the judicial system, Haberman said. “They don't earn as much money, they're not as happy, they're not as productive and they can get into trouble."
Vroom officially launches Thursday May 18 at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum at 4:30 p.m. Families can enjoy free admission for "Neighborhood Night" from 5 to 8 p.m.
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