Introduction

Welcome! As care providers for children you have a unique opportunity to practice the principles of Family Literacy. While children are in your care you are a child’s “substitute parent”; as such you support one of the cornerstones of Family Literacy which says that the parent is the first and most important teacher a child will have. You have the chance to promote and support family literacy activities in the homes of your charges. Using the outline provided in this manual you can experience books with children which will help them develop strong literacy links to their everyday world. Using the handouts that accompany this manual you will be able to encourage parents to become strong partners with you in this process.

Provided with this manual is material to help your child care facility offer an interesting and enjoyable Family Literacy experience. It is based on practical information obtained from the results of a survey completed by members of your profession. We are confident you will find it easy to use. A copy of the survey as well as results can be found in the appendix of this manual.

Also included in the appendix are some statistics gathered from the International Adult Literacy Survey done in 1994. They are provided for your professional information but may also be shared with the parents of the children you work with as well as Board members and others.