National Models

There are number of research-based models that focus on early learning with families and have been implemented through Children's Services at libraries throughout California. Some libraries have implemented components of the model and others have integrated entire programs into their Children's Services. The models include but are not limited to the following:

1. Every Child Ready to Read Created by the Public Library Association (PLA), this program is based on the research of the National Reading Panel and the development of six pre-reading skills identified as a foundation for literacy. Emphasis is on the development of these skills through interaction between the child and their parent/ or caregiver. The program focuses on reading aloud, and includes activities related to developing the six pre-reading skills. Dialogic reading is encouraged as caregiver and child share the books. The program emphasize creating a language-rich environment and sharing information with parents through workshops about their role in supporting their children's literacy development.
   • Contra Costa County Library
   • San Francisco Public Library
   • Santa Cruz Libraries
2. Family Place Libraries. This is a systemic approach to early learning that has developed over the past 25 years at Middle Country Library and Libraries for the Future, to support families with young children using developmentally appropriate practices. The model includes a learning center approach to Parent Child workshops, a library focus that involves families with young children in a family-friendly place, the integration of partnerships with community specialists, outreach to multiple segments of the community and ongoing support through staff development and technical assistance. Here are a few libraries that have implemented Family Place:
   • Beaumont Library District
   • County of Los Angeles Library
   • Santa Cruz Libraries

3. Mother Goose on the Loose. This is an interactive lapsit and storytime model developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, children's librarian at the Pratt Free Library, and is geared to parents with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The curriculum is based on principles of child development with activities that include repetition, movement, rhyme, interaction, stories, language enrichment and music. Each session in the Mother Goose handbook is clearly explained and sequenced with scripts, rhymes, songs, supplemental material and resources. Libraries that use Mother Goose as part of their programming include:
   • San Francisco Public Library
   • San Leandro Public Library

4. Raising a Reader. This national book bag program is delivered through early learning and preschool programs in collaboration with a library. Quality children's books are made available to preschoolers and brought home so they can be read and shared with their families. Library services are an integral component of the program and are introduced towards the end of the program to encourage the continued practice of reading books and sharing them as a family. Children are given a special "blue" bag for use when borrowing library books and resources.
   • San Mateo Public Library
   • Santa Clara City Library
5. Sure They Are Ready to Read - Library S.T.A.R. Originally developed for San Diego County by Meg Schofield, Library S.T.A.R. is a training program for library staff who are creating and delivering early learning services for families with young children.  Based on current child development research, Library S.T.A.R. incorporates strategies to use with infants, toddlers and their parents and caregivers to promote pre-literacy skills through lapsits and interactive storytimes.  The workshops and seminars include observation, experience and the actual application of activities, rhymes, movement, song and stories to library programming.  And, they are enthusiastically presented in both English and Spanish.
   • Oceanside Public Library
   • San Diego Public Library

6. Touchpoints. T. Berry Brazelton M.D., pediatrician and author, pioneered the Touchpoints approach to understanding how infants and toddlers grow and develop. Through the Touchpoint lens, professionals who work with families are able to support parents and caregivers during the challenges faced by young children as they progress through periods of growth. In addition to enhancing this understanding, Touchpoints training presents a model of interaction with and support for families that is based on the recognition of the parents' strengths and expertise.

Other models that have been developed and implemented in California are:

1. The Hanen Centre Programs. The Hanen Centre programs provide parents and caregivers with knowledge and training to facilitate the development of language, social and literacy skills in infants, toddlers and young children. They offer training for professionals who support families such as "It Takes Two to Talk" and have published parenting books and resources in multiple languages such as You Make the Difference in Helping Your Child Learn, that are engaging yet written at low reading levels.
2. P.A.R.E.N.T.S. is a curriculum designed by Jane Curtis, San Rafael Public Library, for Family Literacy programs in California. It involves parents and children exploring themes through reading quality picture books together and discussing them. The sessions are presented in fifteen, one-hour lessons.
3. Read to Me Program. Developed by Susan Straub, the program consists of two components, "Reading with Babies" and the "Read to Me" teen parent program. "Reading with Babies" is a DVD that captures the special moments between infants and toddlers and their parent as they share books and models ways to interact. The "Read to Me" teen program and curriculum guide document workshops for teen moms and their infants that provide practical ways to integrate the enjoyment of books into the everyday lives of these young families.
   • Contra Costa County Library

Other models and early learning resources are available through our partners the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network, the California Department of Education, Child Development Division & WestEd, Public Broadcasting Stations throughout the state, and Zero to Three Western Office.