Initiatives, Resources, Professional Development

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. 

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.

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

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.

View the Reimaging School Readiness Toolkit

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!

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.

GRT Fact Sheet (PDF)

Evaluation Reports: Year 1 (2017) | Year 2 (2018) | Year 3 (2019)

Best Practices for Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers in Early Literacy Development (2020)

Growing Readers Together SW Colorado

Quick Bites Webinars

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. 

Link to Play, Learn, and Grow Videos

GRT Early Literacy Tips ECRR (PDF)

GRT Early Literacy Tips STEM (PDF)

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.