Assignment 14.

3 Program Title Take a Leap Into Reading Early Literacy Fair on Take Your Child to the Library Day Program Description The goal of the Early Literacy Fair is to promote early literacy for children ages 0-3 and give families the incentive to come to the library for Take your Child to the Library Day. This family event is designed for children birth to 3 years of age and their caregivers to participate in activities that provide early experiences with books and language that help lay the foundation for success in learning to read. Each activity will include at least one of the five early literacy practices every child needs to get ready to readtalking, reading, writing, singing, and playing. Interactive stations will be available for families where they can participate in storytime, yoga, sign language, and art. Through participation, families can learn ways to foster learning at home that are easy, age appropriate, and most of all-FUN! Need for Program Studies show that the first three years of life are a period of significant growth and learning. The development of language and literacy begins at birth and early experiences can enhance growth in these areas. This is why my target audience is children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. It is important to include caregivers as they have the most contact with the children and can take what they learned at this event and use it at home with their child. The Early Literacy Fair will provide activities such as yoga, sign language, finger-painting, singing, and book sharing. Each of these activities promote the five practices children need to get ready to read. By taking part in this fair, parents will be provided with tools that they can implement at home to aid in their childs development. This event can also open the door for families to learn about other early literacy opportunities available to them through the library and other community organizations. The Early Literacy Fair fits into FCPLs mission by providing a free program for connecting children ages 0-3 and their caregivers to ideas, experiences, and information on early literacy. Potential Community Partners Emmitsburg Early Learning Center and Thurmont Child Care Center would be community partners that I would reach out to for sharing this event with their families. As educational facilities that care for many children ages 0-3, they would be very helpful in communicating the learning benefits and promoting the potential attendance for this event. Frederick County Infants & Toddlers Program provides early intervention services for children ages 0-3. They have an Early Literacy Specialist on staff who would I could collaborate with on this event. It would also be beneficial to have a representative from this program at this event to provide families with information about the services they have available for children.

DeafNet, a private, non-profit agency based in Hagerstown, MD provides basic sign language classes to children and adults. I would partner with them to help implement the sign language component of this event. Steps for Setting up Event Contact supervisor to discuss program and get approval for event Reserve space for event Contact DeafNet, Infants and Toddlers Program, Yoga Instructor for possible presentations Enter event into Evanced calendar and set up registration Develop storytime to include singing, dancing, book sharing, storytelling Contact local businesses including child care centers to post flyers Display flyers in library and announce at all regular storytimes Post event on FCPL Facebook page and Develop plan for setting up stations within the library for activity rotation Collect materials for all activities Create station signs detailing early literacy skills for each activity Type a take home early literacy tip and activity idea sheet Evaluation Measures Number of attendees Participation at event

Contact: Julie Scott Telephone: 301/600 6329 Email: jscott@frederickcountymd.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Take a Leap into Reading! Children Ages 0-3 and their Caregivers are Invited to the Emmitsburg Public Library for stories and activities at our Early Literacy Fair on Take Your Child to the Library Day! EMMITSBURG, MD January 4, 2013 Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by attending the Early Literacy Fair at the Emmitsburg Public Library on Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 pm. Join us for interactive presentations of Infant and Toddler yoga, sign language, and storytimes. Discover how to help your child develop the five early literacy practices that are the building blocks for reading. Dont miss out on this free public fair for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers featuring fun early literacy activities that you can learn to do at home. Fingerpainting, dancing, singing, yoga exercises, and sign language basics will all be available for all to enjoy. Join us at the library as we explore different ways to give your child a head start in reading.

The Early Literacy Fair is for children ages 0-3 with an adult. To register for this event or get more information please call 301-600-6329 or visit www.fcpl.org. Saturday, February 2 from 2:004:00 PM Frederick County Public Libraries, Emmitsburg Branch Community Room 300A South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg *Post on FCPL Facebook Page one week prior to event* ###