Early Learning Coalition, libraries boost child literacy awareness

MILTON — During January, libraries in the Santa Rosa County Library System will host "hand-making" stations in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County.

This event is presented in conjunction with Children’s Week in Florida and the annual "Hanging of the Hands" event in Tallahassee where tens of thousands of pieces of hand-art created by children across the state hang in the Capitol Rotunda.

"These thousands of hands hanging in the Capitol Rotunda are a colorful and marvelous sight … but more importantly they serve as a reminder to our legislators and advocates that we must all take responsibility in meeting the needs of Florida’s children," Early Learning Coalition Director Melissa Stuckey said.

Children’s Week is scheduled Jan. 22-26.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, before the observance officially kicks off, the Early Learning Coalition will host Mother Goose Story Time from 10 a.m. to noon at the Milton Library. Mother Goose will read every 30 minutes to various age groups in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of literacy in early childhood. A parent information booth will also be available.

In addition, volunteers with local fire departments, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, Santa Rosa Creek Indian Tribe Inc., and Gulf Breeze High School will read to pre-school children for story-time events at local childcare centers throughout Children’s Week.

WHAT: Children’s Week local events

WHEN: Jan. 22-26

WHERE: Throughout Santa Rosa County

NOTES: More than 200 children and 11 childcare providers expected to participate and raise awareness about issues affecting children and to raise awareness of, and involvement in, Children’s Week in Florida.

FYI

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Early Learning Coalition, libraries boost child literacy awareness