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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93729
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023

Grantee
Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries

Project Director
Director Name: Heather Warren-Smith
Director Phone: (717) 783-4830
Director Email: sheather@pa.gov

General Information
Title: Early Childhood Services
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2022
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The "Early Childhood Services" initiative enhanced library programs for children aged 0-8 and their families through two key components: Early Childhood Conversations (ECC) and Family Place Virtual Retraining. ECC provided statewide virtual Communities of Practice for library staff to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on improving early literacy services. Organized into age-focused groups, these sessions fostered professional growth and innovative approaches to serving young children. Complementing this, Family Place Virtual Retraining supported libraries in maintaining their certification as Family Place Libraries by equipping new staff with the skills needed to deliver the Parent/Child Workshop. These efforts collectively strengthened Pennsylvania libraries as hubs for early learning, parent education, and community engagement.
State Goal: Libraries as Community Catalysts

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$54,112.31

$0.00

$54,112.31

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Early Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Family Place Virtual Retraining
Narrative: Eleven Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries attended national Family Place training, addressing staff turnover and ensuring continued certification in the national Family Place Libraries network. Held from January 18 to February 16, 2024, the sessions equipped 15 staff members with the skills to implement the Parent/Child Workshop, a core component of the Family Place model. The training emphasized transforming libraries into hubs for early childhood education, parent engagement, and family support. Survey results showed 100% of participants found the training valuable and felt confident in applying their new skills to enhance library services.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 10
Average number in attendance per session: 15
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 11
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 6
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 8
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Empowering Early Childhood Services
Narrative: The Early Childhood Conversations (ECC) empowered library staff and volunteers serving children aged 0-8 through virtual Communities of Practice hosted on Microsoft Teams. Divided into three age-focused groups—Pre-Literacy (0-3), Early Literacy (3-5), and Emergent Literacy (5-8)—the sessions provided a platform to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, enhancing early childhood programs statewide. Feedback showed 93% of participants found the training valuable, with 86% likely to apply the content to improve library services. The sessions fostered professional growth, collaboration, and impactful service enhancements across Pennsylvania libraries.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 9
Average number in attendance per session: 26
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 89
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 15
Agree: 24
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 18
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 13
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 14
Agree: 22
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 16
Agree: 19
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Family Place Libraries Re-Training: The Family Place Libraries re-training led to several key outcomes. Library staff reported increased confidence in delivering family-centered programs and connecting families with community resources, resulting in improved communication and outreach. Children showed growth in social and emotional development, becoming more confident, empathetic, and socially engaged. The program also strengthened family and community connections as caregivers built social networks, organized playdates, and engaged more with library resources. Libraries fostered inclusive environments that welcomed diverse families, including those with special needs. Additionally, parents became more actively involved in their children’s play and development, applying expert advice to support their growth. Early Childhood Conversations: Participants in the Early Childhood Conversations community of practice reported gaining valuable ideas and strategies to implement in their library programs. The sessions fostered a stronger sense of connection to a broader network of early learning professionals, encouraging collaboration and community building. Feedback highlighted the benefit of diverse perspectives from both experienced and newer staff, creating a supportive environment for sharing and learning. Participants appreciated the opportunity to explore innovative programming approaches and valued the welcoming space for idea exchange. This project expanded professional knowledge, encouraged practical application, and strengthened professional relationships within the library community.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Family Place Libraries Re-Training: These outcomes underscore the vital role libraries play in supporting child development and family engagement. Increased caregiver confidence and stronger community connections enable libraries to create inclusive, supportive spaces that promote lifelong learning. The improvements in children’s social-emotional development and the formation of family networks highlight the importance of family-centered programming. Future program planning should prioritize relationship-building, inclusive services, and partnerships with local organizations to expand resources and strengthen family engagement. Integrating developmental play, caregiver education, and social networking opportunities can further enhance community well-being. Early Childhood Conversations: These outcomes demonstrate the importance of professional relationship building in strengthening library services for young children and families. Participants gained practical knowledge, built confidence, and expanded professional networks, leading to more innovative and responsive programming. The exchange of ideas and collaboration supports continuous improvement and adaptability to community needs. Future programs should continue to offer learning spaces that inspire action, foster innovation, and encourage community engagement to create more impactful library services.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Family Place Libraries Re-Training: A key lesson from the Family Place Libraries re-training is the need for clear guidance and adequate preparation time for staff. Libraries new to the program struggled to launch the five-week workshop without sufficient upfront support, highlighting the importance of practical, accessible training. Additionally, fostering partnerships with local organizations, like La Leche League, expanded program impact by connecting families with additional resources. Libraries adopting this model should focus on building strong community partnerships and providing staff with comprehensive training to effectively deliver family-centered programs. Early Childhood Conversations: A major lesson from Early Childhood Conversations is the value of flexible, participant-driven learning environments that encourage idea-sharing among professionals at all experience levels. Balancing input from both new and seasoned staff created a collaborative space that inspired innovative programming. Another key takeaway is the importance of building and maintaining professional networks to support ongoing collaboration and responsive program design. Future adopters should prioritize open dialogue and networking to enhance engagement, knowledge exchange, and long-term program success.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
The Family Place Virtual Retraining will no longer be funded as a separate activity. Instead, current Family Place Libraries will have the opportunity to seek funding for retraining through future local library grants. Additionally, libraries that are not currently part of the national Family Place Libraries network will be able to apply for grant funds to participate in training to join the network. These grants can also be used for supplies and materials to equip children's library spaces and support the implementation of required Family Place programming. This shift in activity focus expands opportunities for both existing and prospective Family Place Libraries to enhance their services.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: Early Literacy, Youth Services