Talitha Koum Institute

Talitha Koum Institute Birth to five therapeutic brain development program focused on self-regulation and whole-family health.

Talitha Koum Institute (TKI) is a mental health therapeutic Nurture Center focusing on the brain development of at risk children. Through an intensive care program involving the HighScope® cognitive curriculum layered daily with 3 1/2 hours of sensory modulation activities, TKI's program also extends to weekly parent education, a mentoring program for TKI school-age children, and community trainings regarding trauma-affected children and their care. TKI's goal is to send children to public school Kindergarten able to self-regulate and ready to learn from the calm-alert state. The Talitha Koum Institute opened its Therapeutic Nursery in 2003 with funding from Waco’s Cooper Foundation and later Waco Foundation. The founders of Talitha Koum Institute, CrossTies Ecumenical Church, purchased the former Gonzales Boys & Girls Club building which is located in the South Waco community, at the corner of 13th and Clay where a strong use of that facility continues to productively support children.

We had the joy of welcoming Leadership Waco for Nonprofit Day last week, and what a gift it was to share the heart of Ta...
02/17/2026

We had the joy of welcoming Leadership Waco for Nonprofit Day last week, and what a gift it was to share the heart of Talitha Koum. Inviting developing leaders into the world of early childhood development is always meaningful to us - this work is sacred, tender, and full of hope. We’re grateful for rich conversations, joyful moments (yes, even dancing), and the reminder that this calling is something we get to carry together. 🤍

Deep pressure hugs aren’t just sweet — they’re regulating.When children seek tight hugs, they’re often looking for deep ...
02/10/2026

Deep pressure hugs aren’t just sweet — they’re regulating.

When children seek tight hugs, they’re often looking for deep pressure input. This type of sensory input can help calm the nervous system, improve body awareness, and support emotional regulation.

Sometimes a hug is exactly what their body needs. 🤍

01/29/2026

🍎 This Week’s Food Distributions 🍞

The Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry is here to serve our community! Stop by one of our locations this week for free groceries and fresh food.

📅 Thursday, Jan 29
Bellmead Pantry | 12 PM – 4 PM
📍 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bellmead

📅 Friday, Jan 30
Mobile Food Pantry | 3 PM – 4 PM
📍 Grace Church

📅 Saturday, Jan 31
Mobile Food Pantry | 10 AM – 11 AM
📍 Waco Health Department

No one should go hungry — come as you are, and spread the word ❤️

One little snowstorm… and suddenly we felt all the feelings!After days stuck inside, we saw every mood:- How we all felt...
01/29/2026

One little snowstorm… and suddenly we felt all the feelings!

After days stuck inside, we saw every mood:
- How we all felt after being cooped up…
- Cozy mode: fully activated and unlocked
- Snow days brought out all the wiggles, giggles, and sillies!
- And now… 😎 We’reeeee baaaack! Let the giggles and wiggles begin!

🤎 Open-ended play with natural materials like leaves supports creativity, sensory integration, and social development in...
01/20/2026

🤎 Open-ended play with natural materials like leaves supports creativity, sensory integration, and social development in young children, all while fostering healthy child development. 🍂

🔆 Through outdoor play, children move at their own pace, test their bodies safely, and reclaim a sense of control—allowi...
01/13/2026

🔆 Through outdoor play, children move at their own pace, test their bodies safely, and reclaim a sense of control—allowing curiosity and mastery to replace fear. In these moments of movement and exploration, their nervous systems learn that the world can be responsive, predictable, and safe, making play a powerful pathway to healing, resilience, and healthy development. 💛

Smiles, sunshine, and a brand new beginning at our Bishop location. ☀️Grounded in play. Guided by development. ✨“Play is...
01/08/2026

Smiles, sunshine, and a brand new beginning at our Bishop location. ☀️

Grounded in play. Guided by development. ✨

“Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity. It is essential to our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.”
— Stuart Brown, MD

Wrapping up the holidays with gratitude and stepping into the New Year with an amazing team 🎉✨So thankful for the memori...
01/01/2026

Wrapping up the holidays with gratitude and stepping into the New Year with an amazing team 🎉✨
So thankful for the memories made at our staff Christmas party and for the people who make our workplace so special.
A huge thank you to our wonderful hosts, Becky Parker and Brad & Beth Toben, for opening their homes and hearts to us.
Cheers to a bright year ahead! 🥂

Snow? ❄️ We don’t know her. It’s 75 degrees ☀️ and we’re still jolly. 🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Talitha ...
12/25/2025

Snow? ❄️ We don’t know her. It’s 75 degrees ☀️ and we’re still jolly. 🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Talitha Koum Institute ✨

12/19/2025

Last day before Christmas break = pajama day perfection. ❤️💚 Festive prints, warm hugs, and a hallways’ worth of goofy grins from kids, families, and teachers. 🎄🧸

Address

1311 Clay Avenue
Waco, TX
76706

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12547531144

Website

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How does a baby’s brain develop?

From conception to two years, that’s the best window of opportunity to shape a child’s brain for a lifetime of learning and healthy relating. That’s why our program begins at eight weeks of age. Talitha Koum Institute (TKI) is a mental health therapeutic nurture center, focusing on the brain development of extreme children from infancy to four years old.

Through an intensive care program involving the HighScope® cognitive curriculum layered daily with 3 1/2 hours of sensory modulation activities, TKI's program also extends to weekly parent education, a mentoring program for TKI school-age children, and community trainings regarding trauma-affected children and their care. Our goal is to send children to public school Kindergarten at five years old with the ablility to self-regulate and ready to learn in the calm-alert state.

Talitha Koum Institute opened its therapeutic nursery in 2003 with funding from Waco’s Cooper Foundation and later Waco Foundation. The founders of Talitha Koum Institute, CrossTies Ecumenical Church, purchased the former Gonzales Boys & Girls Club building which is located in the South Waco community at the corner of 13th and Clay where a strong use of that facility continues to actively support children.