As part of the Bridges to Literacy Initiative, the San Benito County Office of Education launched a new Early Literacy Certification Program on February 3rd. This program is designed to provide and support early literacy classes to child care providers and kindergarten teachers throughout San Benito County. Participants will learn new skills and strategies related to reading comprehension and literacy, according to a press release from county officials.
A total of 19 participants attended the first of a three-workshop series that will run until April 13th.
Developing literacy skills before age 5 helps ensure children arrive at kindergarten ready to read, the release states. Research shows that students who do not have adequate reading and writing skills when they enter school are significantly less likely to meet college and career readiness standards throughout their studies, drop out of school, engage in high-risk behaviors, or You may be exposed to such risks. Involved in youth protection and law enforcement.
“The goal of SBCOE’s Early Literacy Certification Program is to support educators as they work with the youngest children to develop critical reading and writing skills,” the press release states.
This workshop series, led by Dr. Daniel Thomas, covers the six components of literacy and the five areas of reading needed to help young children learn. Participants were given four children's books and a set of alphabet pair cards that were incorporated into the training. As part of the certification, participants will create an early literacy plan to implement with the children they currently work with.
The Early Literacy Certification Program is currently at capacity and will be offered again next fall. Anyone interested in obtaining an early literacy certification can contact Keith Thorbahn at: [email protected] or my cruise [email protected].