Kim Schneider, a Program Specialist focusing on early literacy in San Bernardino County, discusses the importance of reading to young children. She emphasizes that reading builds language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension, citing research by Hart and Risley, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute for Literacy. Schneider recommends interactive reading, using expressive tones, and creating a routine. For different age groups, she suggests sturdy board books for infants, interactive books for toddlers, and alphabet and counting books for preschoolers. She also highlights the importance of making reading a daily habit, even if it's just a few minutes.

Early Education and Development webpage:
https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/en/ess-2019/early-education-and-development

Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay - Where the Light Is

Nancy Sherod, Ana Garcia, and Heather Smith spend time discussing the work the Early Education and Development department is doing with regards to the mixed delivery system for early learning and childcare on behalf of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. This work aims to increase equity and access by sharing the options to families about the various settings like Transitional Kindergarten, state preschool programs, Head Start, and family childcare providers. The UPK mixed delivery work group, led by Elaina Holley, includes diverse stakeholders to develop a system that meets the specific families' needs throughout San Bernardino County. This episode focuses on an upcoming family survey that will help the workgroup gather data on barriers and successes for supporting their children, with a specific focus on families with children aged 3-4. The goal is to create actionable steps based on this data to improve early education and care throughout the county.

UPK Needs Assessment
https://bit.ly/SBCUPKNeeds

Early Education and Development webpage:
https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/en/ess-2019/early-education-and-development

Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay - Where the Light Is

Karen DiCarlo, Executive Director of Santa Claus Inc., discussed the organization's history and impact on San Bernardino County's children. Founded in 1952, Santa Claus Inc. serves about 244,000 children annually through various programs, including Christmas distributions, foster youth support, and emergency assistance. DiCarlo highlighted new initiatives like Operation Comfort for Kids and Santa's Good Deed Depot. Funding comes from grants, private donors, and partnerships with organizations like Delivering Good and Good360. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the organization continues to grow, with plans for a VIP reception on November 13 to showcase their work.

https://santaclausinc.com/

Email: karen.dicarlo@santaclausinc.com

Early Education and Development webpage:
https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/en/ess-2019/early-education-and-development

Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay - Where the Light Is