In 2017, only 41.5% of Ohio and 36% of Mahoning County kindergartners demonstrated foundational skills and behaviors that prepare them for instruction based on Ohio’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. This initiative provides librarians the knowledge, skills and tools to intentionally support parents in preparing their children for kindergarten. Training has allowed us to recognize what we are already doing and to find new ways to support KR. Training and Backpacks are supported by an LSTA Grant.

1. Saroj Ghoting trains 88 librarians from 30 library systems to intentionally support ELDS in storytime and to talk with caregivers about KR skills. All receive a crosswalk linking ECRR to ELDS and Implementation Guides with storytime activities to support ELDS.
2. KR Stations are added at all library branches with KR information and simple, fun activities.
3. Early Learning Backpacks, based on ELDS, are added to collections to provide parents information, books, toys and activities to develop KR skills at home.

We are better able to articulate the value we bring as we share enjoyable activities in library programs. Trainings allowed us to share information and ideas across library systems. KR information and activities are available both in the library and for families to check out and take home. As we boost our efforts and articulate our contributions, we help all in our communities to see how public libraries are here to help families as their children enter kindergarten ready to learn and to love learning.