Early Literacy for Childcare Providers

Building Effective Successful Teams (BEST) Project

The BEST Project’s Early Literacy for Childcare Providers module enhances the ability of childcare providers to support early literacy development for children birth to age 5. It emphasizes practical, readily applied knowledge about young readers and writers in a self-study format.  The module encourages both new and experienced caregivers to immediately implement practices that strengthen the literacy component of their program. 

Participants may complete the module independently or with a team of other providers. Staff from the BEST Project at the University of Idaho can provide support and feedback as participants work through the material chapter by chapter.   Each chapter takes between 1 ½ - 2 hours to complete and can be done on a schedule that meets the needs of the individual providers.  It is recommended that participants do no more than one or two chapters a week, so that they have time to implement and assess each set of related practices in their daily work with children before going on to something new.  University credit is available as an option for participants completing the module.

There are seven chapters in Early Literacy for Childcare Providers.

·         Chapter 1: How Children Learn to Read and Write

·         Chapter 2: Gathering Materials for Print Rich Environments

·         Chapter 3: Supporting Young Readers and Writers

·         Chapter 4: The Joys of Reading Aloud

·         Chapter 5: Opportunities for Young Readers and Writers in Family Settings

·         Chapter 6: Opportunities for Young Readers and Writers in Child Care Settings

·         Chapter 7: Making a Commitment to Young Readers and Writers

Each chapter contains content information, exercises and activities, opportunities for reflection, and individual assignments requiring participants to apply chapter content to their individual settings.  At the end of each chapter there are family friendly handouts which providers can share with the parents of the children in their care.  The module’s format encourages active collaboration with families, other childcare providers and additional community members who can enrich the literacy experience of children and families. 

For more information, please contact BEST Project staff members Jennifer J. Olson or Laurie Danahy at the University of Idaho Center for Disabilities and Human Development, 129 W. Third St., Moscow, ID  83843.  Phone: 208-885-3588.  E-mail: jenn@uidaho.edu or ldanahy@uidaho.edu.