Early Learning with Families | A Resource for Libraries

The Early Learning with Families – ELF- initiative supports California libraries as they enhance early learning services for families with infants, toddlers and preschoolers and as centers of community activity, provide opportunities for the healthy development of young children. ELF libraries create engaging, interactive programs for young children with their parents and caregivers that support family strengths and respond to community needs.

More about ELF Mission

ELF Blog

Stacey Aldrich Appointed State Librarian of California

Posted in General and California State Library on April 6, 2010 - 11:00am by afreeland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 20, 2009

CONTACT:
Laura Parker
California State Library
916/651-6798

PRESS RELEASE - STACEY ALDRICH APPOINTED STATE LIBRARIAN OF CALIFORNIA.

SACRAMENTO - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Stacey Aldrich as State Librarian of California on November 13, 2009.

“Stacey is truly an expert in her field and California is lucky to have her as the State Librarian,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “She’s the perfect person to maintain the excellent quality of services and access to accurate and up-to-date information Californians expect and receive every time they visit our library.”

Aldrich was appointed Acting State Librarian in February 2009, and also served as Deputy State Librarian from August 2007 forward. As Acting State Librarian, she directed a staff of 155, oversaw a budget of $80 million, and worked with state and local officials on library bonds, programs, and initiatives. Aldrich was instrumental in obtaining financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a major broadband initiative for California’s public libraries.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to take on the position of State Librarian,” said Aldrich. “I will use my experience to uphold the California State Library’s tradition of preserving our history and connecting Californians to the information they need to be successful.”

Prior to joining the State Library, Aldrich served as Assistant Director of the Omaha Public Library from 2005 to 2007, Branch Chief of Public Libraries and State Networking for the Maryland State Department of Education from 1996 to 1999, and 2000 to 2005, and as Senior Associate at Coates & Jarratt, Inc., a futuring think tank, in 2000. She served as Information Technology Librarian for Hood College Library in Frederick, Maryland, from 1992 to 1996.

Aldrich earned a Master of Arts in library science and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a board member of the Association of Professional Futurists, and holds memberships in the American Library Association, Public Library Association, California Library Association, and Beta Phi. Library Journal named Aldrich one of the library profession’s Movers & Shakers in 2003. An engaging futurist, speaker, and workshop facilitator, Aldrich challenges librarians to envision and actively shape the future of libraries.

Founded in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for the Governor’s office, legislature, state employees, and the general public. It supports California’s public libraries by administering federal and state grants for programs in historical preservation, library construction, civil liberties education, literacy, volunteerism, and broadband connectivity.

# # #

Comments (0) Go To Blog

Did You Know?

Playing and Learning

A child’s job is to play. This is how they discover, experiment, explore and learn the essentials of navigating their world and develop the self-confidence to do it.

Everyday Literacy

Encourage families to take advantage of everyday activities like diaper changing and going to the store to talk to their child. Suggest that they make up nonsense rhyming words, read labels and share new vocabulary. Their little ones will learn language by hearing all kinds of sound.

Teaching As Discipline

Discipline means, “to teach.” So rather than inflicting punishment, redirect the child’s attention and explain the reason why. Setting limits and being consistent is helpful to a child and the development of their self-control.

Whole Child Development

It’s important that all aspects of a child - social, emotional, physical and cognitive – are stimulated and have an opportunity to develop. Provide opportunities for fun with sound and music, stories, play, engagement with parents, interaction with other children as well as movement and physical activity.

Parents and Caregivers

The parent and caregiver know their child better than anyone. Let parents know the importance of this expertise by deferring to them and actively involving them in ELF activities.

Join Your Child in Play

Encourage parents to join their child in play, have fun together and delight in their discoveries. It’s through these personal interactions that their curiosity and eagerness to learn is reinforced and becomes a lifelong quest.

Always Respond to Cries

Infants cannot be spoiled. They cry because they need attention. When the parent responds, the infant becomes more comfortable and knows that he has someone on which he can rely for care.

Imitating Sounds

When parents imitate infant’s gurgles and use a playful loving voice, they are engaging their child. Have parents repeat sounds and words then listen for their infant’s response.

Routine for Infants and Toddlers

Create routines for infants and toddlers. It’s the way babies develop trust about their surroundings and a sense that they can count on predictable activities and responses.

Fathers and Learning

Fathers have an important role in a child’s development and may be overlooked. Through their involvement, children tend to develop into better problem-solvers and to become more self-confident.

Parent/Child Relationship

The relationship between the parent and child is the most critical aspect in promoting early learning. Provide opportunities for parents to interact with their infant and toddler so they can encourage engagement and promote learning.

Children Provide Direction

Take direction from the children. Rather than creating the direction, attend to their signals and respond to their cues. They know their own capacity and interests.

Developing Literacy Early

Talk, sing, rhyme and read to little ones beginning at birth. Invite infants and toddlers to be part of ELF activities. This interaction is essential and serves as a rich foundation in language and pre-literacy for future success in school.

Next Tip

Concepts in Practice

Many California libraries have spent years dedicating resources and staff expertise to designing early learning services for families. It is through their work and the more recent efforts of the ELF initiative that promising practices have expanded.