Sound Minds at Mark Twain High School     
Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
CalSAFE—California School Age Families Education—program

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Facility's Primary Function

An early-intervention program, operating from Twain High School, a continuation school with enrollment of more than 300 students. Some girls, as young as 12, are pregnant or already have given birth. Teen mothers and their babies often take as many as three buses to arrive at the campus childcare center each morning, frequently without familial support of education. 

Research proves that babies of teen mothers are at high risk to academic failure and to becoming teen parents themselves. At age three, babies in this category qualify for pre-school, however, developmental delay can be a problem. 

Joy Giver Services

In the child labs each week, Resounding Joy music therapists offer a playful, fun, non-threatening environment in which teen parents and their babies can interact. Research indicates that infant and toddler music enrichment promotes parent-child bonding and fosters normal development of language, cognitive, physical, and psychosocial skills as well as listening skills, perception, and reciprocity. Music therapists use developmental strategies through song, movement, and instrument playing. The babies learn, and the school documents progress.

Joy Giver Goals
. Provide the infants and toddlers with music therapy experiences, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to reach its developmental potential.

. Provide teen parents with educational material to encourage use of musical techniques in the home to reinforce positive behaviors and interactions and supply tools that enable teen parents to become advocates for their children's development and academic success.

. Educate the high school staff in goal-directed music activities.

Resounding Joy Results

Mark Twain High School staff strongly support Resounding Joy efforts. Toddlers are learning and verbalizing academic objectives, such as counting. They're engaging in appropriate socialization with their peers by taking turns and greeting one another. And, by following instructions, they are showing attention span and motor skill development.

The teen parents are making eye contact and communicating with their children and music therapists. They're showing positive emotions through smiles and laughter, and they're offering their children affection in the forms of kisses and rocking motion.

“Words cannot describe how much your support has meant to Twain’s staff and students. So much has been accomplished, and yet, we have so much farther to go. Thanks!”—Mike Rood, Principal 10/19/06

“My baby's favorite song is Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum. Every time we sing that at home, she claps her hands together.”—Sound Minds Parent

“I sing to my baby every night.”—Sound Minds Parent

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