The purpose of this Links to Literacy supplement is to inform practitioners about learning differences among individual children and provide research information and strategies that can enable caregivers to address these differences so all children have many opportunities to learn. There are many factors that influence how children learn, including a significant area of research that substantiates gender differences. We recognize the importance of providing learning experiences and opportunities for all children while being aware of our own perceptions and biases as early childhood educators. We encourage you to learn more about how children learn and what we can do for them and for ourselves to promote early literacy and reading for our preschool children.

Links to Literacy

As preschoolers explore their world with curiosity and delight, they are preparing for a future filled with the need to learn. With the right tools, you can help children enter school ready to learn. Links to Literacy is based on National School Readiness Standards and aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Both new and experienced teachers will find this broad based, holistic and adaptable curriculum easy to use. The curriculum provides strategies for setup of the classroom environment and activities with gender differences in mind. A gender differences booklet is included with the curriculum set.

Addresses All Areas of Development

Links to Literacy is dedicated to helping each child achieve school readiness… and more. The curriculum nurtures the essential elements of lifelong learning: curiosity, initiative, persistence, reasoning and problem solving. It addresses all areas of development, or domains, for preschool children:

• Language development
• Literacy
• Cognitive development (math, science, creative arts)
• Social and emotional development
• Approaches to learning
• Physical and health development

Offers Multiple Learning Experiences

Links to Literacy offers multiple learning experiences:

• Fiction and non-fiction books.
• Favorite old stories and brand new books.
• Poetry, to explore the beauty of language.
• Books about many cultures, to appreciate diversity.
• Nursery rhymes, songs and finger plays.
• Field trips, to carry learning beyond the classroom.
• A "print-rich" environment filled with words, charts and child-dictated stories.
• Hands-on, theme-related centers, to help children learn independently, and develop social skills.
• Positive reinforcement of attempted learning… and celebrations of success!
• Parent information and activities to involve parents in their child's learning.

Links to Literacy Early Learning Assessment (LLELA)

Links to Literacy is now offering a new program assessment - Links to Literacy Early Learning Assessment (LLELA). The LLELA is supported by research and assists with individualization. Teachers and parents will benefit from this assessment because they will know "specific" activities and strategies to use to assist in their children's growth. Links to Literacy Assessment Manual is available with the Links to Literacy curriculum or can be purchased separately for programs that are already using the Links to Literacy Curriculum.

Episcopal Children's Services, Inc.

From humble beginnings as one center serving a small handful of children, Episcopal Children's Services, Inc. (ECS) has grown to become one of Florida's largest child development and school readiness organizations.

No other childcare organization in Florida has more programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. ECS has been recognized as a national model by Yale University for programs in promoting child health and reducing family stress. ECS's efforts in child development, school readiness and literacy have been awarded numerous grants and have been nationally recognized for innovation and success.

ECS staff also operates the Regional Training Institute, an important professional development arm that prepares early childhood teachers for credentialing as a Child Development Associate. The Regional Training Institute also mentors child development programs around the country seeking accreditation.

Every program and endeavor of ECS is focused on our mission of "closing the literacy gap in Northeast Florida." From fostering programs to ensure school readiness for children to developing innovative preschool curriculum, ECS continues to prepare children for life.