By Karen Colbenson
kcolbenson@postbulletin.com
A new program that would offer ways for local child-care providers to enhance the literacy skills of the children in their care could be offered in Austin as early as next year.
Austin Public Library Director Ann Hokanson said she will apply for a grant to cover the cost of a two-day training program for local home-based child-care providers. The program, though Early Childhood Family Education, would provide training in reading readiness for young children.
The total cost of the training program is $40,000.
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"Kids are spending a lot of time outside the home, and where they are at is where they are getting those skills," said Hokanson. "The library’s mission is to promote literacy."
The training would offer child-care providers new ways to connect children to stories and books through interactive reading and learning.
"It’s a gamut for pre-literacy," said Hokanson.
The library board on Monday voted to move forward with the grant application process.
Hokanson said the application likely would not be considered until next year.
