Kathleen Campana|Eliza T. Dresang
Bridging the early literacy gulf
University of Washington|University of Washington
study assessed impact public library initiated early literacy training inhome childcare workers results research demonstrate context public libraries play significant role bridging large gap childrens difficulty success learning read researchers used pretestposttest experimental design childcare workers randomly assigned intervention consisted training treatment group childcare providers early literacy principles activities could foster specific early literacy skills training provided staff pierce county wa library system impact assessed two different methods providers responded prepost surveys early literacy knowledge activities within childcare surveys examined change pre postsurvey responses impact 86 three four year olds within childcares measured pre post oneonone assessment using early literacy skills assessment elsa developed highscope researchers university washington information school trained library staff data collection methods provided guidance proper research procedures analyzed data reported results intervention statistically significant results demonstrated growth childrens competence related 3 4 early literacy principles variety activities related literacy principles providers implemented study begins fill research gap despite decade emphasis early literacy virtually scientific studies relating libraries impact early literacy competency exist studies essential libraries program planning securing financial support