An Infopeople Online Learning Course

Start:
October 28th, 2014 12:00 AM
End:
November 24th, 2014 4:30 PM

Course Instructors: SCCLD Family Reading Action Team 

Children begin learning from the very start and positive early literacy experiences can make all the difference in future achievement. Public libraries are ideally positioned to help children and families with free programming targeted to increase little ones’ skill sets and experiences so that they enter school ready to learn. In this course, you will discover what defines school readiness and hear how libraries and public agencies all over the country are providing enriching environments and experiences for young children. We will explore the early literacy resources, programs, and research that will help you incorporate these ideas into your own library and community. We’ll also examine what you are already doing to inspire and prepare young children for success and how you can make those programs even better!

After completing this course you will be able to identify the early learning needs in your community, explain how the library can be a community partner in meeting school readiness expectations and create or expand upon existing programs to include school readiness skill building at your library.

Course Description: During this four-week online course the Family Reading Action Team from Santa Clara County Library District, led by team member Jennifer Weeks, will share their extensive expertise through readings, podcasts and discussion forums. Learners will become familiar with the developmental areas related to school readiness and how to incorporate these concepts into new and existing library programs. Using practical assignment options participants will have the chance to develop a list of early learning goals for their library and community, list key outreach sites, and identify potential partners in providing school readiness programs.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

  • Week 1: What is School Readiness?
    • School readiness defined
    • Developmental areas
    • Research on benefits of early learning
  • Week 2: Early Learning Goals for Libraries
    • Assessing community needs for school readiness programs
    • Setting library goals
    • Standards for school readiness
  • Week 3: Building Library Literacy Programs
    • Resources available for building literacy programs
    • Improving early literacy programs
    • Review of literacy programs
  • Week 4: Beyond the Library
    • Partnering to provide school readiness programming
    • Marketing and re-branding library programming
    • Assessing the impact of school readiness programming

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2½ hours per week, for a total of ten course hours. Each week's module contains readings, podcasts from experts and various options for assignments, and discussions. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Public Library staff involved in children’s and family programming as well as School librarians working with Pre-K public school students.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

Learner Requirements: None

Course Start: This online learning course starts on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

Keywords: Children's services, Literacy