Tanager is proud to announce the opening of Bright Foundations Therapeutic Child Care, an innovative early childhood program designed to support young children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges who have struggled to succeed in traditional child care settings.
Serving children ages 3–5, the program provides a structured, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment that integrates early childhood education, social and emotional learning (SEL), and mental health support. Bright Foundations is specifically designed for children who have experienced challenges in traditional child care settings, including those who have been asked to leave due to behavioral or emotional concerns.
“Too often, young children with behavioral or emotional needs are excluded from traditional child care before they have the opportunity to receive the support they need,” said Okpara Rice, CEO of Tanager. “Bright Foundations is about changing that story—strengthening families, supporting our community, and helping children build the skills they need to thrive now and in the future.”
Bright Foundations combines education, therapeutic support, and intentional family partnership to promote resilience, self-regulation, and social-emotional growth. Families receive coaching, education, and access to Tanager’s broader network of mental health resources, along with transition planning to support a successful move into preschool, kindergarten, or other educational settings. By addressing challenges early, Bright Foundations fills a critical gap for families who may otherwise lack access to appropriate care.
Bright Foundations Therapeutic Child Care will begin offering half-day programming on February 23rd (7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), with full-day care launching March 2nd (7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), at Tanager’s Estle Center located at 1030 5th Ave SE in Cedar Rapids.
Tanager welcomes referrals from primary care providers, pediatricians, therapists, educators, community partners, and families.
Program Information & Referrals:
• 1030 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
• (319) 286-4543
• childcare@tanagerplace.org
Tanager is dedicated to empowering youth and families through prevention, treatment, and outreach services. For over 140 years, Tanager has been a leader in mental health and well-being, helping children build resilience and thrive.