ELF Blog
LSTA Reports.
Year 2, ELF Continuation libraries will use the LSTA reporting forms posted on the CSL website for FY2007/08. LSTA Narrative Report # 7 will be submitted for each of the first three quarters of the fiscal year and LSTA Final Narrative Report # 9 will be used to report the full year's activities at the end of the year. LSTA Financial Report # 8 will be submitted for each of the four quarters of FY2007/08. The actual forms and directions for completion can be found on the CSL website at http://www.library.ca.gov/grants/lsta/competitivegrants.html
These reports will be due at the CSL Budget office on the following dates:
- First Quarter, (July – September) October 31, 2007
- Second Quarter, (October – December) January 31, 2008
- Third Quarter, (January – March) April 30, 2008
- Fourth Quarter, (April – June) July 31, 2008
2). Libraries that are beginning their first year of involvement IN ELF will receive reporting guidelines and sample forms at the training in October 2007.
Fatherhood.
A father's involvement in his child's life serves a unique and critical role in supporting his child's healthy development and behavior. The Minnesota Father's & Family Network explains just how this works in their InfoSheet on Positive Father Involvement. It can be downloaded at http://bits.civitas.org/content/dads_PositiveFather.pdf.
Parent Self Care.
An often overlooked but important consideration for effective parenting and childcare is the well being of the caregivers. Reducing stress and exhaustion may be easier said then done when caring for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Here is a news brief for parents available through the University of Wisconsin-Extension, that explains the cause and impact of stress, as well as tips for de-stressing. One of these ideas may provide that needed break for parents as they lead their busy lives. You can access this information at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/parenting/pdf/selfcare.pdf
There are a few more "self care" tips that would be helpful to parents from Rush University Medical Center at http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1102020590816.html
Barbara Bush Foundation.
The Barbara Bush Foundation has announced the 2008 national grant competition for family literacy. The Foundation's grant-making program seeks to develop or expand projects that are designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. This sounds like a opportunity for collaboration between Literacy Services and ELF! Approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000. To download the application, go to the Barbara Bush Foundation website at http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/wn.html
Libri Foundation.
The Libri Foundation donates new hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries through its Books for Children program. Donated books are to be used for storytelling; early childhood development programs; and more. Grant awards are a maximum of $700 and are awarded three times a year. More information can be found at www.librifoundation.org.
More Kids Count Data.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the eighteenth annual KIDS COUNT Data Book. It provides both a national and state-by-state data and statistical trends on the health, academic, and economic status of children throughout the nation. This year the report also looks at the 726,000 children across the nation who spend time in foster care each year. In addition, there is a special section that is particularly relevant to California that focuses on children in immigrant families. Information can be downloaded from the foundation's website at http://www.kidscount.org/sld/compare.jsp.
