Make Children First Kamloops - Kamloops Early Language and Literacy

Kamloops Early Language and Literacy

Background

The Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative, ( K.E.L.L.I.) consists of a cross-section of professionals working within the early childhood field with a commitment to building early language and literacy skills in preschool children. The long term objective is to have children ready for school and lifelong learning.

K.E.L.L.I. first came together as an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the Make Children First Project. During the past year the following groups have participated in this partnership:

Interior Health
Make Children First
Interior Community Resources
Rebuilding a Literacy Foundation
YW/MCA Child Care Resource and Referral
Interior Metis Child and Family Services
Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops Laubach Literacy Council
Parks and Recreational and Cultural Services
Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Center
Interior Indian Friendship Center
School District #73

KAMOOPS EARLY LANGUAGE AND LITERACY CONCEPT PAPER

Prepared by Kamloops Early language and Literacy Initiative (K.E.L.L.I.)

May 2005

Literacy development actually begins at birth because language development begins at birth. It is oral language that provides the cornerstone for talking, listening, reading and writing. In fact, the foundation for early language and literacy is shaped by the playfulness of baby’s oral language interactions. Parent and caregivers who talk, sing and read to them daily, surrounding children with language and an interactive environment, are providing the early experiences that lead to reading and writing.

Significant research findings support early language and literacy programming…

Brain development is largely a function of stimulus; the more stimulus babies and young children get in terms of being read and talked to, the greater their capacity for language and literacy. It is that simple.

Background

K.E.L.L.I. first came together as an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the Make Children First Project. During the past year the following groups have participated in this partnership:

Interior Health
Make Children First
Interior Community Resources
Rebuilding a Literacy Foundation
YW/MCA Child Care Resource and Referral
Interior Metis Child and Family Services
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops Laubach Literacy Council
Parks and Recreational and Cultural Services
Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Center
Interior Indian Friendship Center
School District #73

Since its inception, the group has accomplished the following:

Evolved into a more formal steering group to guide the expansion and development of pre-literacy initiatives in the community.
Conducted a review of existing pre-literacy services
Researched literacy initiatives in other communities
Completed a planning process to identify community priorities, set goals and develop a work plan

Project Values

Because of the research now available on the importance of early oral interaction, the Steering Group feels strongly that pre-literacy programming should be:

Universally available
Accessible to all
Open to and inclusive of diverse populations
A collaborative venture involving community partners and participants
Focused on empowering the family
Participatory and interactive, involving the entire family

Project Goals

Through an inclusive planning process, K.E.L.L.I. developed a vision of an early language development continuum and agreed on the following priority strategic goals:

To create an infrastructure that supports ongoing early literacy program delivery.
To expand the public’s perception of the meaning of literacy to include language experiences and activities from birth. (changed from birth - 3)
To increase the capacity of families and community to provide language-rich interactive experiences for children 0-6 years of age, with a focus on 0 - 3.

In order to accomplish these goals, K.E.L.L.I. identified the need for a Coordinator. Kamloops has a solid foundation of literacy programming, however the integration and coordination of these services is fragmented and they are often limited to select target groups.

Outcomes & Proposed Activities

The job of the Early Language and Literacy Coordinator would be to create an infrastructure to support and increase ongoing early literacy programming in Kamloops and the surrounding area. More specifically, the Early Literacy Coordinator would:

Coordinate and increase the availability of early literacy programming such as the Parent-Child Mother Goose within Kamloops and outlying areas
Develop and implement a social marketing plan to educate the community on the importance of early literacy and language development as a stepping stone to school readiness and lifelong learning
Reframe community knowledge of early literacy development.
Seek further funding to sustain and expand the Coordinator position and to create a complete continuum of early literacy services.
Develop a central resource and information service to assist a collaborative and coordinated community approach to early literacy.

Anticipated Funding Needs

The Early Literacy Steering Group is seeking funding for a Coordinator to carry out the above noted activities. Kamloops Laubach Literacy Council has agreed to be the host agency for this position by providing space and administrative and office supports. Community partners and other interested parties have expressed their backing of this initiative by providing letters of support.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 13 May 2007 )

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