Our Mission
The Dr. Albert Karnig Infant-Toddler Success (KITS) program makes hope happen by empowering parents and families to prepare their children, ages 0-5, for success in school and life.
KITS is a project of Making Hope Happen Foundation
The Making Hope Happen Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, was established to support the hope-making mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
It continues to grow beyond District borders, facilitating change to create stronger families, an engaged and educated workforce, and a better Southern California.
Infant-Toddler Success is the culmination of a lifetime of work in education for the late Dr. Albert Karnig, President Emeritus of California State University San Bernardino.
Dr. Albert Karnig was president of California State University, San Bernardino from 1997 to 2012 – only its third president. He served as Provost at the University of Wyoming and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Arizona State University. He also directed ASU’s School of Public Affairs, which at the time was ranked among the nation’s ten leading public policy and administration programs. His scholarly contributions as a faculty member included books published by the University of Chicago Press and Greenwood Press, more than 60-refereed articles, numerous monographic, and service on various editorials.
Most importantly, he was committed to bringing the dream of a university education to all who are willing to work for it. This commitment led him to the research pointing to when pediatric neurodevelopment is at its most critical stage: from before birth to age three.
Dr. Karnig passed away suddenly on May 4, 2017.
KITS is the culmination of a lifetime commitment to improving educational outcomes
KITS is a critical partner in the delivery of the research-based Science of Parenting model
Established in 2002, the Institute for Child Development and Family Relation’s mission is to promote the optimal development and well-being of the children and families in our geographic region. They do this through conducting research, providing services, and educating future professionals. The Institute draws upon the strengths and expertise of faculty throughout the university, who have devoted their careers to researching and teaching subjects related to both child development and the family dynamic. These faculty members provide training within established graduate and undergraduate programs. These programs include Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Assessment, Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education, Family and Child Health.