Lantern is Here for Virginia Families
Early Impact Virginia is thrilled to partner with Lantern to connect Virginia families with free, personalized text messages that support them from pregnancy through the preteen years. Families can receive age-based tips and activities, plus information about resources and events available right in their communities.
FREE TIPS FOR FAMILIES
Caring for a child can be heartwarming and challenging.
Lantern lights the way for families, providing a bright beginning for every child to realize their full potential. The age-based messages have been created in collaboration with experts in the child development field and include tips, conversation starters, learning games and activities and much more.
Lantern delivers evidence-based, personalized information directly to the fingertips of caregivers. Families receive weekly messages–supporting whole child, whole family development–tailored to their child’s age, their family’s needs and interests, and their zip code.
Location-based messages are created in partnership with local organizations and connect families to free and low cost events and resources in their communities.
Sign up for text messages to help you in your parenting journey, from pregnancy through preteen. Lantern covers it all: tantrums, nutrition, brain-building activities, local events, and more!
Signing up takes less than 30 seconds. Text VAKIDS to 274448 or CLICK HERE. Text messages are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Lantern is a free service, however, check your mobile service plan to see if text messages or data fees apply.
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Yes! If you’re already signed up, simply text KIDSWA back to Lantern to add another due date / date of birth, or text HELP and click the link to add another due date / date of birth.
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Lantern is available to anyone who cares for a child: parents, caregivers, grandparents, aunts, uncles … Invite all those who love your child to join Lantern too. The more the merrier!
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Lantern messages can be received anywhere in the United States with cellular coverage. Messages can also be received if you are connected to WiFi and the internet.
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Yes! After you register, text ASD to receive information and support for families with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You will also receive text message about local events and resources.
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We take your privacy very seriously. We ask for your child’s due date or date of birth at sign up so we can send specific messages that are most relevant for your child’s development. We never share, sell, or disclose this data, and it is only used to provide relevant and timely information in accordance with Lantern’s Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions.
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Lantern is currently available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. If you would like to update your language preferences, text the word “English” or “Español” to 274448. You will receive a text message confirming the language you have chosen.
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Text HELP to update your personal profile and manage the messages you receive through Lantern.
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If you would no longer like to receive Lantern messages, text STOP to 274448.
Community Partners
Thank you for being a Lantern Community Partner with Early Impact Virginia. Below are tools you can use to promote Lantern to families you work with. Please feel free to share widely. If you want more information on Lantern or want us to present to your team or group, please email Jamara Knight at jknight@earlyimpactva.org
Have an event or program to share? Through Lantern, we can share information with families on local resources, events, and programs that are free (or have very minimal cost). Please submit your event through our PARTNER MESSAGE REQUEST FORM at least 1 week before you’d like a text to be sent.
Additional Materials Linked Below: