Calvert Library Contributes to Increase in School Readiness
According to the results of the Maryland Model for School Readiness assessment released this week by the Maryland Department of Education, 81 percent of Maryland Kindergarteners are ready for school; up from 49 percent recorded when the test began ten years ago. In comparison, 89 percent of Calvert County Kindergarteners are ready for school; up from 48 percent recorded in 2001-2002. For the entire report visit: http://tinyurl.com/624k5h6Maryland’s Creating Connections to Grow Readers: It’s Never Too Early initiative was established by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Library Development and Services in 2001. More than 1,000 public librarians statewide have participated in training created by the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Reading Excellence to align their resources and services to young children birth to five, and their families and caregivers with the Maryland Model for School Readiness.
“A library is often a child’s first classroom, and a lifetime love of books and learning can begin within library walls,” said State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick. “Libraries provide the key to strong early childhood development. They offer critical resources to communities in every part of our State.”
Calvert Library supports this increase in the number of kindergarteners ready for school through:
28 storytimes each week for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and their caregivers incorporating early literacy best practices for children and tips for parents and caregivers
Grant-funded Early Literacy computers, a tool for children ages 2 through 10 preloaded with 50 educational software programs spanning seven curricular areas
Age appropriate reading lists created by librarians along with tips on how to share books and activities with children
Birth to five related materials including Storytime-To-Go kits, a Beginning Reader collection and a Read Together, Learn Together collection at each branch to encourage extended learning led by parents and caregivers
Training childcare professionals and parents in Early Literacy techniques based on the Maryland Model for School Readiness so that all adults in a child’s life are working together
It’s never too late to begin Storytime at your library. Spaces are available at each library location during the week and on Saturdays. For more information, visit us on the web at www.calvert.lib.md.us .