The Early Childhood Connection
601 N. Harrison St.
Salem, IN 47167
812-883-6821
The Early Childhood Connection, a lending
library which houses more than just books will be opening April 1, 2003. Its purpose is to be a resource for families and child
caregivers primarily of children birth to age 5.
“We hope to provide an educational connection between birth,
pre-school, and kindergarten and to promote kindergarten readiness for all
Washington County children,” stated Sheryl Jackson, project coordinator.
The Early Childhood Connection has purchased toys, games, manipulatives,
theme boxes, science kits, math kits, storytelling kits, cassettes, CDs, and
videos, as well as resource books geared toward teachers of children birth to 5.
These items will be available for loan beginning April 1, 2003.
Just as children’s bodies need healthy
food in order to grow, their brains and bodies also need stimulating experiences
to develop properly. According to
Lisa Murphy, teacher, child development expert, and co-founder of The Learning
Through Adventure Company, children develop most of the necessary skills for
kindergarten through interesting play experiences. Murphy states, “In order to build a strong foundation for
academic learning, children must do these seven things every day:
create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play.”
Items available through the lending library will assist
parents/caregivers in facilitating these activities with their children.
Parents/caregivers may register at The Early Childhood Connection beginning April 1, 2003. The center is located at 601 N. Harrison St. in Salem. Adults may check out up to 5 items at a time. Child care and safety information will also be available. Equipment, such as a laminating machine, die cutting machine, and copy machine is available to use in producing learning supplies for children. The Early Childhood Connection is made possible through a grant from the Indiana Community Child Care Initiative, working in partnership with the South Central Community Alliance to Promote Education and the Salem Community School Corporation.
Link to registration form.
Link to List of Resources.
Link to Business Hours.