Education in Libraries

The Essential Partnership

Presented by Stephanie Crick, School Development Officer, DETE South East Region 2014

In the South East Region there are currently over 115,000 participants in Early Years Library Sessions.

A wealth of untapped potential.

No data, no problem - No problem, no action

Percentage of children developmentally vulnerable in 2012

Research supporting Research supporting (Speaking Promotes (Speaking Promotes Education and Knowledge) Education and Knowledge) as a program which:as a program which:

1. Targets oral language as a key foundation 1. Targets oral language as a key foundation for life successfor life success

• Oral Language is the child’s first, most important, and most frequently used structured medium of communication. It is the primary means through which each individual child will be enabled to structure, to evaluate, to describe and to control his/her experience. In addition, and most significantly, oral language is the primary mediator of culture, the way in which children locate themselves in the world, and define themselves with it and within it (Cregan, 1998, as cited in Archer, Cregan, McGough, Shiel, 2012).

• Rigorous evidenced based research supports the importance of oral language, not only as the foundation for the development of literacy skills but also a strong indicator of later reading, writing and overall academic achievement (Bradfield, 2013).

2. Recognises the importance 2. Recognises the importance of effective early experiencesof effective early experiences

• ‘The years before 5 last a lifetime’ (Mustard, 2008). Neuroscience provides compelling evidence that early experiences impact on brain development and can have a long-term effect on wellbeing including physical and mental health, learning and behaviour (MCEECDYA 2010).

• By the time a child is 3 years old, 90% of their brain has developed (MCEECDYA 2010).

3. Builds parenting skills and supports 3. Builds parenting skills and supports and encourages their involvement in and encourages their involvement in their child’s development their child’s development

• The US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development concluded that parenting is the primary influence on children’s development (MCEECDYA 2010).

4. Effectively provides an early years program with the highest rate of return to human capital investment

• Investment in early child development programs enhances the equity and quality of a society, limits social exclusion and is a very factor in economic growth and prosperity (van der Gaag 2002).

The cost of illiteracy to the global economy is $1.1 trillion (World Literacy Foundation, 2012)

Evidence has built a case for change.

The South East Region Quality Beginnings, Quality Futures Reference Group will support the implementation of SPEAK in Logan Libraries through the following sustainable practices:

•building the capacity of staff to provide them with the knowledge and understanding essential to support literacy development •actively promoting libraries as community hubs that can play a significant role in supporting families•supporting the provision of free accessible and family friendly opportunities to enable the development of a strong foundation in oral language in the first 5 years of life•supporting and promoting library memberships in 0-5yrs

The South East Region Quality Beginnings, Quality Futures Reference Group will support the implementation of SPEAK in Logan Libraries through the following sustainable practices:

•assisting in developing partnerships with schools and childcare providers to effectively work with educators to enhance the use of the wealth of resources offered by Logan Libraries•supporting with the delivery of parent workshops and the development of new needs-based workshops including Parent Ready Reader Sessions•supporting the development of positive partnerships with local schools and childcare providers including actively supporting and promoting early years programs offered by Logan Libraries and•supporting early years programs including the introduction of Oral Language Adventure Sessions and actively supporting and promoting the Qld Government SPEAK Oral Language App.

The Qld Government SPEAK Oral Language App available for download on iPhone, iPad and android: http://deta.qld.gov.au/about/app/speak.html

has the potential to influence hundreds of thousands of families and young children throughout the world. It’s influence can and will last a lifetime.

For further information regarding S.P.E.A.K please contact the following DETE South East Region Staff :

Stephanie Crick

School Development Officer

Stephanie.Crick@dete.qld.gov.au

Ph: 3386 4148 M: 0455 073 345

Sally Elsby

Principal Education Advisor – Early Years

Sally.Elsby@dete.qld.gov.au

Ph: 3386 4127 M: 0457 521 377