NORFOLK, Neb. - Libraries across northeast Nebraska are receiving additional materials that cater to their youngest patrons.
The Northeast Community College Early Childhood Education program has created Library Kits to share with the area libraries that are designed for childcare facilities, preschools, and schools to utilize. Each kit contains a children's literature book and activities to enhance the comprehension and vocabulary of the book.
“Reading aloud daily to a child is the number one thing you can do to prepare that child for school and life,” said Lisa Guenther, early childhood education instructor. “Daily reading aloud develops comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking.”
Guenther said the goal of the Library Kits is to share the joy and importance of daily reading aloud to a child. The kits are circulated between the libraries across Northeast Community College’s 20-county service area.
“Eight kits are delivered to an area library and picked up after those childcares, preschools, and schools have utilized them. They are then refilled and delivered to another library in the area,” Guenther said.
To learn more about the program, contact Guenther at lisag@northeast.edu or call (402) 844-7332.
Northeast offers two degrees through its early childhood education program to meet industry needs.
An associate of applied science (AAS) degree is designed to allow students to seek immediate employment in the early childhood workforce. Most graduates with this degree option work in early childhood facilities or home childcare settings.
The second option, the associate of arts (AA) degree transfers to four-year institutions. Students can pursue an early childhood education inclusive option, which prepares them to teach preschool through third grade. The other option is a degree in early childhood education in the family and consumer science field. Students who choose this option most often work in administration in childcare centers.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Children who attend Betsy’s Daycare in Emerson enjoy materials included in Library Kits that have been created by students in Northeast Community College’s Early Childhood Education program. The kits, shared with area libraries that are designed for childcare facilities, preschools, and schools, contain a children's literature book and activities to enhance the comprehension and vocabulary of the book. Children pictured (clockwise from bottom left) are Moxon Roeber, Lynken Fuchser, Avery Mathis, Amelia Albrecht, Anson Albrecht, and Brantlee Nelson.