EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCES

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Big Books at the State Library of Louisiana
The State Library of Louisiana’s big book collection is available through Interlibrary Loan at your local public library.  View titles by searching the online catalog in 2 ways: 1) Subject heading begins with: “Big Books” and 2) Call number begins with:  BB

Limit 2 titles per patron request.  Checkout period of 28 days.  Renewable twice for 28 days each time pending no prior requests.  Big books will be shipped to your local public library.

Big Book Publishers and Distributors
Publishers of big books with links to series, when available.

Big Book Index
Topic index to big books and big book units by known publishers and distributors.  Information provided includes titles, item numbers, genres, suggested grade levels, summaries when available, and links to web sites of publishers and distributors.  For current pricing and ordering, look up titles by item number or title on web sites of big book publishers and distributors.

Book Lists and Early Literacy Resources
Suggested books for sharing with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and for planning and presenting story programs for these young children

Brain Development in Young Children
The importance of early brain development clarified through illustrated web pages, research articles, and a short Power Point presentation entitled “What’s Going On Up There?.”

Book Distribution Programs
Descriptions of programs that distribute free or low-cost books for children compiled by the National Child Care Information Center

Child Protection Hotline Phone Numbers
Phone numbers to call to report child abuse or neglect in Louisiana parishes.

Children’s Activities Online
Online reading aloud of children’s books by movie stars, activities that foster early literacy skills and games that promote a love of language and reading.

Early Childhood Associations and Organizations
Links to professional early childhood associations and organizations in Louisiana and in the United States.

Early Literacy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
A brief Power Point overview of early literacy, information about using early literacy strategies in storytimes, a list of suggested products for using in storytime, pertinent research, early literacy from a child’s point of view, and specific activities that foster development of the six early literacy skills.

Economic Impact of Quality Early Care and Education Programs
Research reports documenting the long-term economic value of investing in quality early childhood programs.

Free Booklets about Early Literacy for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers
Free parent information booklets developed by the U.S. Departments of Education, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services.

Grant Possibilities for Early Literacy Projects
Links to descriptions of grants that fund early literacy projects.

LET’S READ! Story Programs for Groups Ages 3-5
Suggested guidelines for developing story programs for groups of children ages 3-5 using strategies that build early literacy skills; includes planning document and list of favorite read aloud books suggested by 995 survey respondents.

Nursery Rhyme Name Songs
Help children learn to spell their names by singing old songs with new words!  This project introduces children to 24 traditional nursery rhymes and children’s songs and matches the beats in the songs to the number of letters in children’s names.  Project materials include a manual, song sheets, printable mini books, and a recording of all songs used in the project.  All documents can be downloaded free for non-commercial use.

Nursery Rhyme Resources
The State Library of Louisiana’s Nursery Rhyme Name Songs project and printable mini books; also includes an index to nursery rhyme activities and products, a bibliography of nursery rhyme resources, and math/science activities related to nursery rhymes.

Louisiana’s Early Child Care and Education Programs
State-subsidized early care and education programs in Louisiana; program descriptions and contact information.

Standards for Early Care and Education Programs
Standards, guidelines and grade level expectations for early care and education programs administered by Head Start and by the Louisiana Departments of Social Services and Education; also includes national standards for Head Start, individual states’ child care licensure regulations.

Statistics
Links to statistics from the U.S. Census, Kids Count, Library Statistics Program, Louisiana iLEAP and LEAP test results, Louisiana’s Health Report Card (includes most current vital statistics available), and The Nation’s Report Card.

Timelines
Timelines showing the development of the skills that are the foundation of early literacy in children ages birth – 6 years.

Tip Sheets
Links to printable tips sheets, activities and newsletters that support early literacy from a wide variety of sources; many available in multiple languages.