Michelina Manzi, Ph.D.Developing the Child’s Early Literacy (Based on

Implications from Recent Research on Certification Requirements in Reading of Childcare Professionals), and Reading at Home

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh: Department of Reading

Seeds of Inclusion Conference:Saturday, March 5, 2011

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Early Childhood Staff Training in Reading(Based on a 2011, Faculty Development Study Targeting Standards in Reading Preparation for Early Childhood Professionals in Licensed Day Care Centers)

Wisconsin Dept. of Children & Family Services Code requires childcare staff to take a block of 10 hours of course work;

This course work does not include a stand alone reading course (emergent literacy/early literacy);

Reading/emergent/early literacy information may be imbedded within the courses required;

A stand alone course addressing reading is urgently needed for childcare staff based on Best Practices and research in early/emergent literacy.

Availability of Reading Coursework for Early Childhood Staff in Day Care

Centers, Wisconsin

16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges offer the License “block,” in which reading may share space within a course such as early childhood growth and development;

The 10 hour “block” is dedicated to childhood safety, growth and development, and well being;

13 UW 4 Year Colleges offer stand alone courses when a student is admitted to the 4 year program;

Most child care workers do not attain a 4 year degree and do not take a stand alone course in reading-and it s not required by the License.

Study Implications Parents need to be informed about what to look

for in day care centers Parents can observe reading/emergent/early

literacy activity prior to placing their child Patents can interview staff about how they

handle reading; parents can observe materials available

Parents can inquire if the conditions for learning in reading, no matter how old their child may be, are present

Example of Reading with Very Young Children: DVD Viewing This peer reviewed DVD shows adult Mary, with

2 and 31/2 year old children engaging reading and age appropriate fun activity

Each activity is linked to Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning

These kinds of activity should be happening at a day care center-they are enjoyable, and intentional

Staff with training in reading can develop these kinds of activities

Brian Cambourne's Brian Cambourne's Conditions of LearningConditions of Learning

ImmersionInfants and young children

need to be surrounded by an environment that is rich in spoken and written language.

DemonstrationChildren need opportunities to

observe models of the way written language is used in daily life.

EngagementYoung children need

opportunities to try reading and writing activities on their own.

ExpectationChildren need to be in an

environment where adults believe that they will acquire literacy skills.

UseChildren must use reading and

writing skills throughout their daily lives.

ApproximationYoung children should be free

to make attempts at written language that moves closer to conventional reading and writing.

ResponseChildren need to receive

feedback from knowledgeable people on their attempts at reading and writing.

Follow Up to DVD Clip

Working is groups of 3 this morning, consider the following items. We will take 5 minutes to respond

and then report outward:

Link Conditions for Learning to adult-child interaction as seen in the DVD.

Feel free to add additional adult-child kinds of interaction that promote reading and are a part of the Conditions of Learning