The Shawnee County Health Department on Oct. 23 described Dad Zone, a father‑focused supplement to the state Baby Basics prenatal curriculum that health staff say boosts paternal involvement and infant outcomes.

Health department Maternal and Child Health team leader Britney Rambo introduced the program, and Trenton James, who serves as the Dad Zone instructor, described its structure and growth. "This class goes in conjunction with our baby basics program," Rambo said, noting Baby Basics is a statewide, six‑week prenatal curriculum that can be tailored by county. James, who is the course facilitator, said the Dad Zone sessions are taught by a father and use evidence and practical coaching to coach men on newborn care, skin‑to‑skin contact, signs of maternal emergencies and paternal postpartum depression.

Rambo said the pilot began in February 2023 with 19 fathers and expanded to five sessions and 36 participants the next year; she reported 35 fathers had participated so far in the current year with one session remaining. The presenters said the class covers what fathers can do during prenatal visits, how to recognize signs of preeclampsia or infection, practical newborn care, supporting breastfeeding and recognizing paternal postpartum depression.

James said the sessions are conversational and peer oriented. "I've seen guys go from slouching down in their chairs to sitting upright, watching the videos, asking questions, and engaging with other people that are part of the group," he said.

Presenters said Dad Zone is currently offered alongside Baby Basics rather than as a standalone offering. "Currently, DADZone isn't offered as a standalone program. It is in conjunction with our baby basics," Rambo said, and she added a standalone fathers' program is a future goal that will require planning, translation for Spanish language offerings and funding. The department said it already partners with community organizations, including KCSL, to link fathers with continuing supports after completing the class.

Presenters listed planned expansions: translating the Dad Zone curriculum into Spanish and delivering the program alongside Spanish‑language prenatal classes; stronger outreach to community partners for continuing father support; and community events to sustain engagement (examples discussed included family movie nights and father‑child activities). Rambo said those steps are priorities for the coming year.

The presenters directed interested participants to enroll through the county’s Baby Basics sign‑up on the health department website, because Dad Zone is not listed separately. They emphasized Baby Basics is open to all parents and encouraged broader awareness of the program.

The department did not propose new funding or a firm timeline for making Dad Zone a stand‑alone program during the meeting. Commissioners thanked the presenters and described the program as a useful supplement to prenatal education.