Together, let’s create an environment where Pennsylvania public libraries thrive as vibrant hubs for early childhood learning. Join the Early Childhood Conversations and be part of a collective effort to shape a brighter future for children ages 0-8.
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is implementing Early Childhood Conversations (ECC), a series of community of practice sessions to discuss all aspects of library services for children ages 0-8. These conversations are open to all library staff and volunteers providing services to young children, including school librarians and library school students. These virtual sessions will take place via the Microsoft Teams meeting platform.
The goal of these conversation sessions is to empower library staff to deliver effective, community-focused early childhood programs, services, and resources for children aged 0-8 and their families and caregivers. These sessions will provide a platform to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices within and between libraries across the state enhancing the early learning programs and services offered.
The conversation sessions are divided by age of the child served, and attendees have the flexibility to choose any or all of the age groups.
Pre-Literacy (Infants and Toddlers ages 0-3)
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
February 14, 2024
March 13, 2024
April 10, 2024
Early Literacy (Preschoolers ages 3-5)
Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
February 8, 2024
March 14, 2024
April 11, 2024
Emergent Literacy (Readers Ages 5-8)
Mondays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
February 26, 2024
March 25, 2024
April 22, 2024
To register, please visit https://forms.office.com/g/khQYCs6Z2Q.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Early Childhood Conversations
What is a Community of Practice?
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of individuals with a shared passion or professional interest who come together to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices in a specific domain. In this context, the CoP focuses on enhancing early childhood services in public libraries.
Who can participate in these conversations?
Participation is open to all individuals committed to library service for children aged 0-8. This includes children’s services staff from public libraries, volunteers, library directors, school librarians, and library school students concerned with all aspects of library service to young children.
How will the conversations benefit participants?
The conversations are designed to be dynamic information exchange sessions, facilitating the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, and successful strategies for early childhood services in libraries. Participants will build valuable professional connections with colleagues across the state, collaborate with peers to address common challenges and explore innovative solutions, as well as gain access to resources shared by participants, including program materials, event ideas, and successful initiatives, enhancing your toolkit for creating engaging early childhood programs.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, the sessions will not be recorded. We encourage active participation and engagement during the live sessions to foster dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing among participants.
Can I participate in more than one session?
Yes, participants are invited to engage in our three distinct Communities of Practice tailored to different age groups (0-3, 3-5, and 5-8) across a series of three dates per age group. While attendees have the flexibility to choose any or all of the age groups, we highly encourage you to attend all three dates within the selected age group, as each session is designed to progressively build on the previous, providing a comprehensive and enriching conversation.
Can I get a Continuing Education Certificate for attending?
As these are information exchange conversations and not formal training sessions, continuing education credits are not available for the Early Childhood Conversations.
For more information, please contact Heather Smith, Early Childhood Services Advisor for the Bureau of Library Development.