Training and resources for providers in the Early Words/Premiers mots program.
Welcome to the Early Words program! Early Words connects key professionals (that’s you!) with resources to help families get their little ones aged 5 and under on the road to reading. We are excited to collaborate with your team to help families build strong baby brains and lay a foundation for literacy.
Read on for important information on how to participate in Early Words.
Participate in Training
Access the following training to ensure you are prepared to offer early literacy support to families along with a children’s book.
Quickly orient yourself to Early Words by participating in this interactive online training. This module will provide you with the key points in less than 30 minutes and connect you with extra resources if you want to go deeper. Completing the online module or a live training session, is mandatory for all participating providers.
Engage with Families
Give a book and counselling to families during your clinic’s agreed-upon schedule. Not sure when to give a book and advice? Connect with your clinic’s Primary Contact.
Get ideas on what to do and say to families when talking about early literacy and identify the ways parents can use books with their little ones, based on their age. You can also find responses to frequently asked questions about early language and literacy development. There may be laminated copies of the guide available through your clinic’s Primary Contact, or we are happy to send you one. Just let us know at earlywords@childrensliteracy.ca
Read about key early literacy concepts and find conversation starters that help you start talking to families about activities that support that help children develop and grow.
This is an online space for providers looking to get support on how to counsel families in their care on early literacy. Get additional research and practical tools to help you support the families you see.
As an Early Words provider, you will also receive a regular e-bulletin with resources, tips and updates.
Your Role as an Early Words Provider
- All participating providers give books and resources only as part of a conversation they have with families about early literacy
- All participating providers give books and counselling according to their clinic schedule. The books are only for children ages 5 and under but please encourage all your patients to read! Questions about your clinic’s book distribution schedule? Check in with the Primary Contact at your clinic.
- All participating providers give a maximum of one book per appointment unless there are multiple children aged 0-5 receiving care at that appointment.
- All participating clinicians complete required program surveys. There is 1 program survey per year, and it will take you no more than 5 minutes to complete.
- You can find answers to frequently asked questions about your role as an Early Words provider in our Early Words - FAQ Logistics Sheet.
Questions?
Since you are an Early Words/Premier mots Signature Site, your clinic has a Primary Contact who you can go to for questions. You can also email earlywords@childrensliteracy.ca if you need support with participating in the program.