Programs

Reality Works Program – Baby Think it Over

Reality Works provides infant simulators to Knox County students to show teens what it’s like to have a newborn at home. These simulators behave like infant children to give students a hands-on experience with what it’s like to be a parent. This program has reached thousands of Knox County middle school students over the years with important life skills education.

Petals and Pearls

An old-fashioned tea party is the venue for facilitating a comfortable and meaningful dialogue between mother, aunts, grandmothers and daughters about sensitive or embarrassing topics. Petals and Pearls brings community women of all ages together to have frank discussions on important topics.

Knox County Health Department Women’s Health Clinic

The Knox County Health Department provides confidential health care services to people, regardless of age, sex, income, race, disability or marital status. The Women’s Health Clinic offers health care specifically for women. More information can be found in the Women's Health section of the Knox County Health Department website.

Start Smart

Start Smart is an interactive, engaging program that provides information to parents about good prenatal care and early infant and child brain development. Program participants learn how crucial the first weeks and months of a child’s life are in relation to brain development. They learn how to interact positively with their infants to encourage healthy brain development using tools and information provided during the program, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being. At the conclusion of the presentation, each family receives a $10 gift card and a backpack with a healthy baby tool kit, (while supplies last). The kit includes a CD of classical music, a developmentally appropriate toy, a children’s book, visual charts and safety and educational materials for the mother. 

Anyone who has a child 2 years old or younger or families who are expecting a child are welcome to attend. The classes are offered every month at the Knox County Health Department, 140 Dameron Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. To register for the class or for more information about the program please call 865-215-5170.

Start Smart is funded in part by the Youth Endowment of East Tennessee Foundation.