Delaware’s Birth to Three Program is proud to announce a dynamic and engaging virtual event, “Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel,” scheduled for December 6, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) via Zoom. This one-hour live event is divided into two captivating segments, designed to educate, inspire and foster community involvement. Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RNC, FAAN will give opening remarks to the press about the partnership.

“It is important that children reach developmental milestones within their first three years of life,” Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long said. “I look forward to joining children and their parents and guardians to meet Ms. Rachel and her husband, Aron Accurso, on December 6.”

Meet the Panelists:

1. Rachel Griffin Accurso, aka Ms. Rachel, is an award-winning educator, songwriter and online sensation with a Master’s in Music Education from NYU and currently working towards her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Rachel and Aron Accurso have created the popular YouTube channel Toddler Learning Videos, which provides educational videos and music classes for toddlers and preschoolers.
2. Nicole Topper, Public Health Administrator I, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Administration since August 2022. Topper started her career with the Department of Service for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) in 2006 and joined the Division of Public Health in 2022. Topper has focused her educational and professional career on serving the children and families of Delaware for over 17 years.
3. Erin Rich is new to the Part C Coordinator* position but has been with the Birth to Three program since January 2022. Previously, Rich taught Research and Writing for many years at Delaware Technical Community College, and high school English in Philadelphia before that. She strives to ensure equitable and quality early intervention services for infants and toddlers in Delaware, and their families, aided by strong and collaborative relationships with community stakeholders.
4. Candi Biles, Public Health Treatment Program Administrator, has been with the Birth to Three Regional Program in Kent and Sussex County since November 2004. She started as a Casual/Seasonal Family Service Coordinator and was promoted to the Program Administrator position in 2020. She worked in the community for seven years, serving vulnerable populations, such as survivors of domestic violence, substance abuse and HIV. She enjoys serving Kent and Sussex families by giving their child the absolute best start in life. She is passionate about empowering her staff and creating a positive workplace culture.
5. Sarah Wood, Training and Education Administrator I, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program since April 2022. She came to the Division of Public Health after serving 8.5 years with the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. Wood is passionate about child advocacy and enjoys working closely with community stakeholders to help support Delaware’s families.
6. Maricarmen Morales Santiago, Trainer/Educator III, has been with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program since September 2019. Maricarmen was a Child Development Specialist and ECE Interventionist with the program before becoming the program trainer. Maricarmen is an Early Childhood Educator with experience in school settings, HeadStart Programs and private practice as tutor and educational therapist. Maricarmen is passionate about Early Intervention and outreach.

The live event will be divided into two segments:

Segment 1: Roundtable Discussion for Press with commentary from Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long (6:00 PM – 6:20 PM)

Participants will hear opening remarks from Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long regarding the importance of the partnership with Ms. Rachel for Delaware’s Birth to Three community and early intervention programs across the state.

This segment also includes a roundtable discussion where pre-submitted and screened questions from the press will be addressed, ensuring a comprehensive and informative dialogue.

Segment 2: Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel (6:30 PM- 7:00 PM)

The second segment will include a special performance by Ms. Rachel and her husband, Aron Accurso, which promises to be both entertaining and educational as she interacts live with the audience.

Parents will have the opportunity to additionally engage through a Q&A session, where questions submitted and screened prior to the event will be addressed.

The “Explore Delaware’s Birth to Three Journey with Special Guest Ms. Rachel” event aligns with several key objectives of Delaware’s Birth to Three program:

1. Raise awareness with parents and caregivers about the importance of early childhood development and available resources via Delaware’s Birth to Three program including developmental tools.
2. Engage Delaware families to foster a sense of community and involvement, which is vital for raising awareness and generating support.
3. Raise awareness of the new partnership that has been established by worldwide influencer Ms. Rachel of Songs for Littles and Delaware’s Birth to Three program.

To register, visit www.b23de.org/b23-special-event. 

*The Part C Coordinator has the leadership responsibility for administering the early intervention program in a state so that all federal and state requirements are being met including building a high-quality early intervention system.

Print