School Readiness
This site has been created by READiness Matters, the school readiness task force for Kentucky Public Libraries. This site is for the exchange of early literacy and school readiness resources for those working with preschool children and families in Kentucky Public Libraries.
Feel free to browse the resources on this site and share your ideas with us. If you have questions or would like to submit content to this site, contact us at [email protected].
Feel free to browse the resources on this site and share your ideas with us. If you have questions or would like to submit content to this site, contact us at [email protected].
REAdiness Matters! began in December 2013 as the Kentucky Public Library School Readiness Task Force. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives helped to form a task force of Kentucky public library representatives to promote school readiness programming efforts across the state.
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"In Kentucky School Readiness means that a child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success."--Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood
For Kentucky's full definition of school readiness visit The Governor's Office of Early Childhood |
NEWSExciting news! Northern Kentucky University and the READiness Matters Taskforce Announce a New Nationwide Professional Development Series Supporting Early Childhood Programming for Public Libraries For Immediate Release Tues, 09/08/2015 Contact: Threasa Wesley Associate Professor & Head of Research & Instructional Services Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY 41099 [email protected] 859.572.5721 HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY -- Northern Kentucky University and the READiness Matters Taskforce, a school readiness initiative of Kentucky public librarians, announce a new professional development series supporting early childhood programming. This workshop series is part of Steely Library’s continuing education program for librarians and library staff members. The workshops are offered online, accessible 24/7 from any geographic area, conveniently bringing the expertise of library science faculty and experienced practitioners to any local library. The School Readiness series allows library staff to attain CEU credits as well as one, two, or three specialized credential certificates in this field. In the core certificate, participants will learn key child development principles, the developmental domains of school readiness, and early literacy teaching techniques. A second certificate in early literacy will guide enrollees in the examination of successful library programs, as well as the identification of many resources supporting enriched learning activities for young children. The third certificate explores issues of program administration, such as the development of increased funding and outreach to expand the library’s service to new groups of children and families. For more information on the READiness Matters credential certificates, Northern Kentucky University’s bachelor degree in Library Informatics, and additional 21st Century Library Career Building continuing education offerings, please see http://libraryeducation.nku.edu. Superintendents' School Readiness Tool Box
Check out the Kentucky Superintendents' Tool Box provided by the Kentucky Department of Education. There are many resources included in the Tool Box, including information about becoming involved in your Community Early Childhood Council, information on child and brain development, and building partnerships with other early childhood providers in your community. KDLA Awarded Laura Bush 21st Century Grant from IMLS for School Readiness
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives project will improve the school readiness knowledge and skills of public library staff. The project will address the fact that more than half of first-time kindergartners in Kentucky are not ready for school and the lack of Kentucky public library staff training and resources for creating services that will make an impact. The project will provide public librarians with the training and support they need to build effective school readiness programs, centered in an approach that considers all domains of school readiness. Participating library staff will become knowledgeable, engaged, and empowered in efforts to build school readiness skills in their local communities. |
School Readiness in Kentucky Public Libraries: READiness Matters!Why should public libraries be involved in the school readiness initiative in Kentucky?
*Public Libraries should be early literacy authorities for their community. *Placement within the community makes the public library the perfect collaborative partner. Public libraries are able to connect the community with early childhood and school readiness service providers. *Public libraries provide services to the public. Public libraries represent a friendly face to all in a non-threatening way. Public libraries are seen today as community centers. *Public library programs are for everyone in the family. Early childhood programs should provide modeling of skills for parents and caregivers, as well as children who are in attendance. *Public libraries see some children and families who no one else in the early childhood community sees before kindergarten. It is important that services are intentional-- especially for these families. Attending a public library program may be the only exposure a child has to any formal preschool setting before kindergarten. READiness Matters! adopted Every Child Ready to Read as the foundation for early literacy program development in the state of Kentucky. This means that the five best practices of Every Child Ready to Read should be at the root of our early literacy based programs.
The five best practices are: Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play In order to connect each of these practices with important school readiness skills, we need to be intentional in our service delivery methods, remembering that the parent is the child's first and best teacher. Early literacy practices should be modeled for parents through the five best practice areas that are a part of our programs for preschool-age children and families. Visit and join the Every Child Ready to Read Ning in order to share and gather ideas for your Every Child Ready to Read programs. |