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Initiatives, Resources, Professional Development
Initiatives and Services
Growing Readers Together is a specific initiative focusing on early literacy and support for Family, Friend, and Neighbor childcare. Grant opportunities and early literacy services are funded by the Buell Foundation and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and are provided at no cost to Colorado libraries.
Colorado is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program and the Colorado State Library offers resources to help you make your summer reading program a success!
The Play, Learn and Grow workshop was created by the Growing Readers Together team, and it includes a video (DVD available), a facilitator guide, and participant activity sheets. It can be hosted in one longer session or divided into (up to) four shorter sessions. With the facilitator's packet, library staff can host independently or invite a Growing Readers Together early literacy librarian to co-host. To learn more, please contact us.
Professional Development
Libraries Learn is a CSL database of virtual webinars, tutorials, and learning paths and other professional development resources. Find archives of past sessions and a calendar of upcoming virtual learning opportunities. You will find the archives of the “GRT QuickBite Webinars” as well as numerous CSL In-Session webinars on early learning topics
Reimagining School Readiness
This research-backed workshop created in collaboration with the Bay Area Discovery Museum and California State Library explores the skills and conditions most needed for children to succeed and thrive in both school and life. Ongoing trainings, both virtually and in-person are available for Colorado youth librarians.
Please contact us if you are interested in this training.
Resources
Colorado State Library (CSL) Resources
Nationally, there is a lot of attention focused on the importance of early learning. Many organizations are cultivating information and ideas to carry out this priority successfully. Some are focused on theory: why early learning is important and what young learners need. Some incorporate practice: proven strategies for enhancing early literacy, and activities to help young learners. Many weave all of this together and often you will find compatible ideas between organizations.
The different approaches have merit. The trick is to find what speaks to you.
Day-by-Day Activity Calendar
Each day there is a unique and fun idea for activities that help children explore, play, and grow to love reading. Use this form to request printed copies in English and Spanish for your library.
Storyblocks is a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) and the Colorado State Library, working in partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Services. It is a collection of 30-60 second videos designed to model to parents, caregivers, and library staff some songs, rhymes, and fingerplays appropriate for early childhood. Each video clip includes helpful early literacy tips to increase caregivers' understanding of child development and pre-literacy needs. Enjoy these fun songs, rhymes, and fingerplays in several different languages!
Storytime Kits Available for Check-out
Borrow CSL Storytime Kits for your Baby and Toddler Storytimes. Whether you are new at delivering storytimes or want to refresh your existing programs, these kits will let you explore new titles and fun resources. The kits are based on Every Child Ready to Read, 2nd edition, and feature books, songs, rhymes, early literacy tips for parents, and hands-on aces that correspond with the critical early literacy aces of reading, talking, singing, wring, and playing.
Growing Readers Together Library Resources
Evaluation Reports: Year 1 (2017) | Year 2 (2018) | Year 3 (2019)
Growing Readers Together SW Colorado
Growing Readers Together is a specific initiative focusing on early literacy and support for Family, Friend, and Neighbor childcare. Grant opportunities and early literacy services are funded by the Buell Foundation and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and are provided at no cost to Colorado libraries.
Play, Learn, and Grow Resources
Link to Play, Learn, and Grow Videos
Early Literacy Organizations
CLEL is a grassroots Colorado organization whose membership is focused on strengthening children's literacy through library services and community advocacy. CLEL hosts an annual conference each year for early literacy library staff and provides additional training opportunities through their website.
CCIRA is a professional organization promoting the advancement of literacy, They offer resources, and host an annual conference in the Spring. They are already gearing up for 2022! See an impressive list of speakers including several well-known authors–sure to educate, sure to inspire.
In Colorado, a high number of students are not reading at grade level by the time they complete third grade. The good news is that there are things we can do before their child enters school that will better prepare them for learning to read. Look for the Community Toolkit that supports your library's messaging about the joy of learning to read.
The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines describe the path of children's learning and development from birth to eight years old. They're designed so that everyone who cares for young children can play an important part in giving Colorado's kids a healthy start.
A free service that shares timely tips and playful activities delivered by text message, including promoting local early learning events and opportunities. As a Bright By Text partner you can engage your local families and promote library events.
National Early Literacy Programs
ALSC is is the library's go-to for all things dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. They offer national initiatives, professional development, and tools. Book and media awards, including the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, are selected through, ALSC, a division of the American Library Association.
NAEYC is a national leader in early childhood practice, policy, and research. They advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children
NSLA works to ensure all of America’s students, regardless of background, income, or zip code, can access and benefit from a high-quality summer learning experience every year.
Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.
The Simple Interactions Tool provides a common, descriptive language to talk about interactions in practice. It serves as a visual representation, highlighting the four dimensions of developmental interactions: Connection, Reciprocity, Inclusion, and Opportunity to Grow.
As you meet the new challenges that each day brings, supporting you is Vroom's primary focus. Vroom is here to share simple and fun ways to boost learning that don't require more time or money. Vroom tips are always free, flexible, and designed to support you in your daily life.
Do you wonder what's going on inside young, developing brains? Zero to Three is an organization that devotes its advocacy to the development of children from birth to age 3. They cover a range of topics and offer a wealth of resources that apply to all aspects of children's well-being.
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
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UPDATED
March 18, 2025
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