Implementing ELF

ELF was designed to enhance library services for families with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. It reflects current research, and addresses social trends, academic performance and community needs. Its intent is to increase the value and expand the role of libraries in California communities.

Why bother to invest in the implementation of ELF at your library? There are a number of very beneficial reasons.

California's Children Need Early Learning Opportunities

As the brain research confirms, the first five years are a particularly important period in which to provide rich stimulating experiences so children can develop the neural connections for learning throughout their lives. (From Neurons to Neighborhoods)
Reading aloud to infants and toddlers is one of the most important ways to lay the foundation for future success in reading. A 2007 UCLA study Reading Across The Nation: A Chartbook ranked California 42nd in the nation, with only 44.6% of children from birth to five read to daily.
According to the 2007 Rand study Who Is Ahead and Who Is Behind, 33% - 57% of kindergarteners and 45% - 49% of first graders in California did NOT meet reading proficiencies for their grade level. 240,000 (52%) second graders and 290,000 (63%) third graders are performing below grade level in language arts according to CST data.
Only 37% of 2,679,311 children between 1-4 years of age can be served through the existing childcare and family care settings. (2007 Child Care in the State of California. NACCRRA)

Families Need Support

Today's parents and childcare providers experience greater isolation (Isolation In America, 2006. Duke & Univ. of Arizona) and therefore need a place where they can receive support, exchange ideas, access resources and obtain guidance in their parental role.
Parents are their child's primary teacher and can benefit from the library's ability to facilitate further understanding of ways to promote their child's growth and development.

Libraries Benefit

The public expects libraries to provide services for children (Long Overdue, 2006. ALC) and to that end, ELF provides a variety of programs and enhances the value of the library to the community and its agencies.
Library usage is increased as more families and young children are introduced to collections, services and events. Multiple generations become captivated and engaged by library resources and programs for the long term.
Early learning programs for families provide increased visibility among community decision makers with the potential for increased resources, as libraries partner with community agencies and advocate for early childhood initiatives.

LongTerm Economic Benefits

Early childhood programs are economic development initiatives that breed economic success according to James Heckman, Noble Laureate in Economics, Univ. of Chicago. For every $1 invested in the Perry Preschool for example, the ROI was $17 saved through the achievement of higher education levels, fewer special education programs, higher employment and salaries, more taxes paid, lower crime, fewer single parents, greater community involvement and a better quality of life for the individuals involved. (Early Childhood Interventions, 2005 RAND)

Did You Know?

Whole Child Development

It’s important that all aspects of a child - social, emotional, physical and cognitive – are stimulated and have an opportunity to develop. Provide opportunities for fun with sound and music, stories, play, engagement with parents, interaction with other children as well as movement and physical activity.

Teaching As Discipline

Discipline means, “to teach.” So rather than inflicting punishment, redirect the child’s attention and explain the reason why. Setting limits and being consistent is helpful to a child and the development of their self-control.

Join Your Child in Play

Encourage parents to join their child in play, have fun together and delight in their discoveries. It’s through these personal interactions that their curiosity and eagerness to learn is reinforced and becomes a lifelong quest.

Playing and Learning

A child’s job is to play. This is how they discover, experiment, explore and learn the essentials of navigating their world and develop the self-confidence to do it.

Imitating Sounds

When parents imitate infant’s gurgles and use a playful loving voice, they are engaging their child. Have parents repeat sounds and words then listen for their infant’s response.

Parents and Caregivers

The parent and caregiver know their child better than anyone. Let parents know the importance of this expertise by deferring to them and actively involving them in ELF activities.

Fathers and Learning

Fathers have an important role in a child’s development and may be overlooked. Through their involvement, children tend to develop into better problem-solvers and to become more self-confident.

Developing Literacy Early

Talk, sing, rhyme and read to little ones beginning at birth. Invite infants and toddlers to be part of ELF activities. This interaction is essential and serves as a rich foundation in language and pre-literacy for future success in school.

Routine for Infants and Toddlers

Create routines for infants and toddlers. It’s the way babies develop trust about their surroundings and a sense that they can count on predictable activities and responses.

Always Respond to Cries

Infants cannot be spoiled. They cry because they need attention. When the parent responds, the infant becomes more comfortable and knows that he has someone on which he can rely for care.

Parent/Child Relationship

The relationship between the parent and child is the most critical aspect in promoting early learning. Provide opportunities for parents to interact with their infant and toddler so they can encourage engagement and promote learning.

Children Provide Direction

Take direction from the children. Rather than creating the direction, attend to their signals and respond to their cues. They know their own capacity and interests.

Everyday Literacy

Encourage families to take advantage of everyday activities like diaper changing and going to the store to talk to their child. Suggest that they make up nonsense rhyming words, read labels and share new vocabulary. Their little ones will learn language by hearing all kinds of sound.

Next Tip

Concepts in Practice

Many California libraries have spent years dedicating resources and staff expertise to designing early learning services for families. It is through their work and the more recent efforts of the ELF initiative that promising practices have expanded.