About the Project
The project’s overall goal was to positively impact target communities by promoting literacy and providing community support. The first milestone in the cradle-to-career strategy was to ensure that children are school-ready through a focus on literacy. This initiative aimed to give children a stronger start in their education, offering an opportunity they might not otherwise have. The team at St. Clair College, together with community partners, developed a program that addressed literacy needs in specific neighborhoods and strengthened connections between families and local community resources and supports.
Project Overview
Team Members:
- 6 Researchers focused on utilizing Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the primary methodology.
- 12 Student Researchers supported the literature review, focus groups, and pre/post-program survey analysis.
Areas of Expertise:
- Child Literacy
- Community Support
- Educational Initiatives
Technologies:
- Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
- One-Thousand Books Before Kindergarten (1BBK) program
Key Innovations
- One-Thousand Books Before Kindergarten (1BBK): A free literacy program designed to build a positive attitude towards reading, build rapport with librarians, and increase library usage.
- Library Workshops: Tailored to meet family needs and provide accessibility through online options and preferential times.
Impact & Benefits
- Increased Literacy Engagement: The project demonstrated a connection to children’s engagement and literacy development through reading, as well as parents’ comfort in supporting this process.
- Enhanced Parental Support: Parents feel more comfortable supporting their children’s literacy development.
- Community Connection: Stronger connections between families and community resources.
- Educational Advancement: Aligning library workshops to meet the needs of families and providing accessibility options enhanced overall community literacy support.
Related Programs
#ChildLiteracy#CommunitySupport#EducationalInitiatives#LibraryPrograms#FamilyEngagement#PovertyReduction
