ELF Blog
Does Readiness Matter?
Does Readiness Matter? How Kindergarten Readiness Translates into Academic Success is a longitudinal study involving children from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties that reflect four readiness profiles. The research findings conclude that blocks of readiness skills and certain individual skills significantly contribute to academic success through middle grades. The paper explores readiness dimensions and their impact on school performance, identifies the priority skills and explores the gaps that exist among various profiles of readiness. The full report is available at http://www.appliedsurveyresearch.org/www/products/DoesReadinessMatter_ALongitudinalAnalysisFINAL3.pdf
Oh, How Do Readers Grow!
"Cultivando el habito de la lectura" or "Cultivating Readers" with interactive, fun activities is a new resource designed for parents by the National Center for Family Literacy. This booklet available in both English and Spanish, is intended to support the development of pre-literacy and literacy skills from infancy through grade three. Colorful and engaging, this 12-page booklet can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.famlit.org/atf/cf/%7B3D0C0CE7-6FDA-40BA-88F3-AA78546501E7%7D/Cultivating%20Readers_NCFL_2008.pdf
Key to Literacy - Parents Talking with their Kids
A key focus of our mission is to support pre-literacy development through ELF. We continue to emphasize the importance of reading aloud with infants, toddlers and preschoolers, however now we also need to model and encourage what might be a more powerful message to parents...talk to your children. Laura Pappano reports in the Harvard Education Letter that research is mounting that links language-rich home environments with reading success and school achievement. In fact, exploratory investigative discussions between parents and children are central to higher-level lieracy, while the social-emotional bond parents have with children can amplify learning. Parents remain uniquely able to tailor explanations that click with their child and provide more extensive opportunities for rich discussion. Read more at http://www.edletter.org/insights/familyconversation.shtml
Funding Sources...American Legion, Verizon Foundation & American Academy of Dermatology
The "American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Grants to Help Children" is accepting proposals that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children throughout the USA. The foundation funds organizations that benefit children through innovative programming. Just think about the many creative ELF programs you are delivering for young children through collaboration with your partners when contemplating an application for these funds. The maximum award is $70,000 with an application deadline of July 1st. 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to apply. More details are located at http://www.legion.org/cwf/grantseekers/overview
The Verizon Foundation's mission is to increase literacy and educational achievement, reduce abuse and domestic violence, and promote health and safety. What a match for ELF programs and their partners! Verizon funds grants that address these issures through innovative programs. Proposals are currently accepted from eligible nonprofit organizations (501(c)3) and will continue through November 1, 2008. For information and an application form access http://www.foundation.verizon.com/grant/guidelines.shtml .
Libraries that promote sun safety and have a need to purchase permanent shade structures will be interested in this resource. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Shade Structure Program provides grants of up to $8,000 for the purchase of structures that provide shade and ultravviolet protection for outdoor areas. The academy also provides a permanent sign to be displayed near the shade structure promoting the importance of sun safety. To be considered, applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that serve children 18 and younger, are committed to sun safety and are sponsored by an academy member. To locate a local member visit the AAD's webpage " Find a Dermatologist." The RFP's link is at http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15013188/aadpublicgrants Other RFP's for children are located at http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml .
States Invest in Early Care & Education
Voices for America's Children recently published the report Increasing State Investments in Early Care and Education: Lessons Learned from Advocates and Best Practices. Here you will find 10 states featured that have successfully passed, funded and implemented legislation to support early learning programs for their youngest citizens. Though the rationale and strategies reflect state efforts, they are smart and applicable to local initiatives as well. To review the best practices used, download the report at http://www.aecf.org/~/media/PublicationFiles/ECE%20Report.pdf .
Effective Parent Training Programs
What makes parenting training programs effective? A recent study reviewed 77 published evaluations of parent training programs and identified the common characterisitics. With effectiveness defined as the greatest impact on parent and child (birth - 7) behaviors, four areas emerged: 1) helping parents create positive interactions with their children; 2) providing an opportunity for parents to practice the new skill; 3) training for parents in emotional communication; and 4) including timeout and providing opprotunities for consistent response to children's behavior.
An abstract of the study can be found at http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/articles.cfm?article_id=1529 . The full report was published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, May, 2008.
LA Conference on "The Fatherhood Solution" June 12, 2008
First 5 LA is sponsoring "In Harms Way 2008: The Fatherhood Solution" a confererence to explore research on fatherhood and the impact of current social and economic factors. Topics that will be addressed include the impact of war, family violence, children and divorce, incarceration, bringing fatherhood programs to communities, policy, and more. The one-day conference will be held at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12, 2008. For more information and registration check http://www.childrensinstitute.org/inharmsway/
