Local early childhood programs support parents
Parents are the first and most important teachers for their children. While all parents want the best for their children, infants do not come with manuals…. and therefore knowing how to best teach your child can be challenging. Research shows that when children are read to and talked to regularly, their vocabulary will grow and they will have greater school success. However we know that some children come to school having heard millions of fewer words then their peers. These children enter the schools of Adams County and many struggle to succeed.
Fortunately there are programs in Adams County to help parents of young children develop strong language and reading skills even before they enter kindergarten. Through the hard work and dedication of many early childhood educators, programs have been developed and adopted to assist families who want the very best for their children. These programs are free and convenient for the busy lives of young families. Most are offered in both English and Spanish.
Ready Rosie is a family curriculum that has been adopted by Head Start and the Upper Adams School District to help parents of their students. Using videos and mobile technology, families receive information on many topics that demonstrate positive behavior and school readiness. The videos show real families playing games and sharing stories. These models help families incorporate learning into everyday activities and build skills that will help their children learn. Family members become empowered by knowledge as they see their children succeed. At the same time teachers have a way to assist by recommending topics or sending text messages to parents. The partnership that is formed is very helpful as children begin their reading and writing experience.
1000 Books by Kindergarten is a program that has been adopted by the Adams County Library to encourage families to read to their children from birth. As they read to their children the parents log titles and are recognized for their efforts each time they reach the next goal. By reading to/with their child they are having positive experiences with books and building vocabulary. Story time and Pre Kindergarten activities at the library help parents to learn new ways to work with their children through poems, songs and activities. Those children who enter kindergarten having heard 1000 books will have a strong background in listening skills, concepts of print and understanding of how written language works. Families can enroll at any branch of the Adams County Library.
Reaching Home addresses the reality that many parents are incarcerated and do not get to see their children. While all parents want to have a positive effect on their children, distance and circumstance can make this very difficult. Through the efforts of Diana Fasnacht, Ready to Learn Coordinator for United Way of Adams County and Sherry Feeser, Children’s librarian at Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library in East Berlin, parents at the Adams County Prison can have the opportunity to connect in a special way with their children. After hearing about the importance of reading and vocabulary, these parents are shown ways to read stories to their children. After choosing an appropriate title, the parents are recorded reading the books aloud. This DVD and the chosen book are then mailed to their child. These mothers and fathers learn new ways that they can influence their child’s learning and life even while separated. Once they return to their families they will know the importance of including these activities into their daily life.
Never Too Young to Read is another outreach program. These same two individuals meet with parents of young children at the Homeless Center, in church groups and at SCCAP. The program is designed to empower parents with information, modeling and strategies while stressing the importance of reading to their young child from infancy through preschool. Parents leave each session with books, book bags, library cards and numerous ways to read and bond with their young child. Contact the United Way to learn more.
As a community it is essential to support families as they navigate the tasks of parenting. In addition to strong public schools we must also think about children from birth to 5. Children’s brains grow very rapidly during their first three years and the structures of the brain are determined by the experiences that they have. All future learning is built upon the structures that are created. Parents and grandparents have the greatest influence on what happens with their children. However young families are often very busy with work, family responsibilities and life’s many challenges. By providing free and flexible programs that build skills, everyone benefits! Children are better prepared for the learning setting, parents gain confidence and families thrive.
As we begin a new year and support these important programs we continue to enhance and strengthen our entire community.
Kathy Ciolino is the co-chair of The Birth to Five Committee, which works to raise awareness of the importance of learning during the first five years of life. Mrs. Ciolino has been a teacher and a principal in primary grade settings. She is a member of the DFA Educational Task Force.