The charge given to the Literacy Workgroup in September, 2003 was to develop resources to support Even Start programs in the development of literacy in children, preschool-third grade.  The focus of the workgroup was to be on building the strengths of Even Start Program Coordinators in the area of literacy.

Response to the charge

A survey of Directors and Coordinators was conducted in February, 2004.  The Literacy Workgroup identified three main areas to address the needs and gaps represented through survey responses.  The three areas include: providing resources, staff development in the area of literacy; and staff development in building relationships with schools.

Four products were planned based on survey results:

• a Literacy Resource Guide of professional resources in the area of literacy which would include a chart of developmental literacy milestones, a glossary of literacy terms, and an annotated bibliography;

• a literacy website to provide curricular support;

• a staff development module on building positive relations between Even Start programs and local schools; and

• staff development opportunities in literacy for Even Start Programs.

The members of the Literacy Workgroup who participated in the development of these materials were:

This notebook is the Literacy Resource Guide developed by the Literacy Workgroup to assist New York State Even Start Programs as they work with children, parents and schools.  A number of principles guided the Literacy Workgroup.  These are reflected in the website and the Resource Guide.

It was important to the Literacy Workgroup that

• the strategies and approaches presented are grounded in literacy                        standards;
• the materials that were developed would make scientifically-based reading           research, and teaching strategies grounded in that research, readily accessible to Family Educators; and
• strategies which would support the education of  all children in any literacy    curriculum;  and
• that the resources would not support one approach to literacy education over another.

 Literacy Staff Development

The Literacy Workgroup hopes to do workshops on literacy strategies at each New York State Even Start meeting.  Jane Hogan, the Literacy Research to Practice Specialist at the Eastern Demonstration site is also available to do workshops for regions and programs who would like staff development in Literacy.  Topics can be tailored to specific needs, topics, and age groups.  Sample topics include: Emergent Literacy, Supporting Success in Kindergarten, Reading Informational Texts, Comprehension Development;  Developing Phonological Skills, Using Children’s Literature to Develop Literacy, Dialogic Reading, and Linking Reading and Writing.  Contact Jane Hogan at jhogan32@rochester.rr.com or (585) 243-5352 to discuss staff development options.