Library introduces programs to support informal child care providers

Sacramento Public Library is taking its play based approach outdoors in a series of drop-in programs for informal caregivers of young children such as their family members, friends and neighbors
 
Explore and learn with us every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. through November 17 at the South Natomas Library. During this program, you’ll get to play with hands-on sensory experiences and enjoy song and rhyme activities with library staff.
 
In California, roughly 80% of young children under two and 40% of children under five are cared for by informal child care providers such as family, friends and neighbors.
 
“As a caregiver, you are your child’s first and best teacher,” said Library Early Learning Specialist Nate Halsan. “Learning through play is an easy and fun way for to fuel your child’s development. The Library is here to support you with free learning experiences and resources.”
 
Children's brains expand rapidly in the first three years, growing to 80% of the size it will be as an adult. It is one of the most significant periods of brain development and learning for humans.

Children learn through play. While it looks like they are just pretending to cook or drive, it is so much more. Make believe play initiates a wide range of learning and skill development, including social skills. They make connections between shapes and colors, learn language, practice fine motor skills, build their vocabulary and reinforce their knowledge of the world as they play. By talking with other children, they learn how conversation works.

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a blanket on which to sit. Spaces will be marked to encourage distancing. Please note that this event may be impacted by inclement weather or air quality.
 
This program is made possible with funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. This project is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act administered in California by the State Librarian.