*This Virtual Conference concluded in February, 2021 and registration links have been removed from this page. Read on to see information about the sessions offered. We hope to see you are future events!*
Young children need rich early literacy activities and interactions to be ready to read when they enter school. Educators and caregivers play a critical role in developing reading readiness. Virtual Conference: Early Literacy, Libraries and You offers sessions about the activities, resources and research that will allow you to raise lifelong readers through expanded early literacy practices. We welcome formal and informal educators and caregivers to join us!
Attendees are welcome to register for one or more sessions. For those seeking continuing education hours, the number of hours received will correspond with the number of sessions attended. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom. Registered attendees will receive Zoom links via e-mail.
This Virtual Conference is presented in partnership between Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Trying Together as part of the Pittsburgh Ready project, with support from PNC Grow Up Great.
Monday, February 15 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Every Child Ready to Read – Gain information about the life-long impact of developing early literacy skills. This virtual workshop, hosted on Zoom, presents an overview of Every Child Ready to Read and enables participants to easily integrate early learning strategies and supports into their existing work and relationships with children. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit and/or ACT 48 Credit.
Monday, February 15 from 1 pm – 3 pm
Transformation Big & Small: The Pittsburgh Ready Story – Hear the stories of childcare providers in the City of Pittsburgh participating in the Pittsburgh Ready Project. In offering coaching, early literacy tools, books and professional development to five childcare providers, what transformations are possible for physical spaces and the children they serve? Let’s find out! You can also find out what support tools are available for you! Panel discussion will include childcare providers who participated in the Pittsburgh Ready Project and Trying Together Quality Coaches. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit and/or ACT 48 Credit.
Wednesday, February 17 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Using Digital Media Resources with Early Learners — Examine current research and suggestions for best practices when using technology with young children. Explore diverse activity ideas that will expand imaginations. Learners will leave with strategies and tools for integrating digital media resources into everyday early literacy activities. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit and/or ACT 48 Credit.
Wednesday, February 24 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Library 101 — Gain all the information you need to get the most out of your Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh library card, with a focus on resources for young children. Effectively navigate the online catalog, master the array of digital resources available and understand available programs. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit and/or ACT 48 Credit.
Thursday, February 25 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Race, Reading and Young Children — This workshop for educators and caregivers provides interactive introduction to the importance of racial representation in children’s literature. Program Director of the P.R.I.D.E. Program Dr. Aisha White will share research around positive racial identity development. Participants will learn about ways to find and evaluate books with racial representation published for children, along with publishing trends. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit and/or ACT 48 Credit.
