Jen Burnett believes that it takes a village to raise children who are happy, healthy members of the community.

That’s what inspired her to open Village Creative Dance — where she shares her passion for dance through class offerings at the studio and in several Licking County schools.

“We believe it does take a village to fulfill our mission —  to see everyone of all ages and all abilities experience the joy of movement,  in whatever way that suits that person,” she said. 

Several months ago, Jen and her husband Alex added even more people to their personal village, as members of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Early Intervention team came alongside them to support their youngest son, Owen.

“I feel like the program expanded our village of people to help raise him and help him develop,” she said. “It’s a concept that really resonated with me.”

Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides support for children, from birth to age 3, who have disabilities or developmental delays. Provided at no cost to families, services are provided at home, or at other community spaces, where children are comfortable and learn best. In Licking County, services are provided by LCBDD. 

Jen and Alex reached out to Early Intervention at the recommendation of their pediatrician after Owen’s 12-month appointment. He wasn’t moving on his own and the Burnetts weren’t sure how to motivate him to try. 

After meeting with Service Coordinator Kayli McClain and Developmental Specialist Lauren Lewis to discuss their goals, they learned several ways they could play with Owen that would help him understand how to use his legs and hips. 

Within a few weeks, Owen was rolling around the house. exploring.

“I saw it click for him and he was so excited, and so proud of himself” Jen said.  “We are thrilled that he is learning a new way to experience the world.”

As she continues to support Owen with crawling and walking, Lauren has offered to visit Owen’s daycare, so his teachers can also learn the best ways to coach him in their classroom.

“It’s too cool that they will go where he is, to places that are a part of his world,” Jen said.

Watching her son’s positive experience in EI has further inspired Jen to explore new ways to support and promote joyful movement in the community.

Village Creative Dance offers a variety of classes for all ages, highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of dance.

“When I really struggled with a difficult time in my life, something always drew me back to dance. It helped ground me and center myself. It can be very peaceful and therapeutic,” she said.

In the next few months, Village Creative is planning to start a Family Dance class for children with disabilities and their family members, allowing them to dance together and have fun. 

Her goal is to identify and reduce barriers, including financial and logistical, to allow more people to experience the classes, and movement in new ways.

“What (dancing) gave to me, I want to give that back to the community,” she said.

For more information on future adaptive Family Dance classes at Village Creative Dance visit  villagecreativedance.org.

For more information about Early Intervention in Licking County, go to https://lcountydd.org/birth-to-3/. To make an EI referral, please call 1-800-755-4769. You can also make a secure online referral at http://bit.ly/ReferToHMG.