Birth to Six > Programs for educators > Early Words
Early Words
Early Words is a collaborative initiative designed to promote the language and literacy development of young children aged 0 - 5 yrs. We created free workshops to inform parents and other caregivers that the first years of life are critical to building the foundation for learning to read. Talking and reading to young children during this important period increases the brain's capacity for literacy and language skills as well as lifelong learning. See the curriculum here
The Early Words initiative was begun in 2000 by the Commission on Children, Families & Community of Multnomah County in collaboration with the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education, the Multnomah County Library, Mt. Hood Community College, the Oregon Child Development Coalition, and child development experts.
Trainings
Language and literacy are the building blocks of learning for young children! Early experiences form the basis for future success in school and life. As early childhood care and education providers, you have a tremendous impact on children's language and literacy development. To support your efforts, we offer free training sessions in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese at a variety of locations and times. Many sessions are offered at neighborhood libraries and childcare centers. See a curriculum list here.
Mentoring
We also provide mentoring to help you implement new ideas at your settings. An on-site trainer will visit your childcare for five consecutive weeks to read stories to children and share hands-on ideas for applying the early literacy information. Following the mentorship, providers may begin receiving books through the Book Delivery Program and have the opportunity to attend additional professional development trainings throughout the year.
For more information on Early Words classes or mentoring, contact Rachel Altmann at rachela@multcolib.org or 503.988.3831