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Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

Written by: Literacy Launchpad- A program part of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County
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 A podcast series dedicated to educating parents in Onondaga County on fostering pre-emergent literacy skills in their children, and raising awareness of adult education opportunities for families throughout Onondaga County, New York, and the Libraries System of Central New York.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Episodes
  • EP 12: Strengthening Early Literacy: Insights from the Early Childhood Alliance with Bethany Creaser- BONUS EPISODE!

    EP 12: Strengthening Early Literacy: Insights from the Early Childhood Alliance with Bethany Creaser- BONUS EPISODE!
    Jan 7 2026
    EP 12: Strengthening Early Literacy: Insights from the Early Childhood Alliance with Bethany Creaser Summary In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, Madeline Rommer, whom y'all met on episode 2 host's this conversation with Bethany, the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) Onondaga. Together, they delve into the crucial role the ECA plays in supporting early literacy and child development within the community. Bethany shares the mission of the ECA, which was established to ensure that every child in Onondaga County is healthy, thriving, and ready for school. She discusses the collaborative efforts of various partners in the early childhood system, including pediatricians, childcare providers, and home visiting programs, all aimed at creating a supportive environment for families with children under five. Listeners will learn about the innovative initiatives led by the ECA, such as the Talk, Read, Sing campaign and Help Me Grow, which provide parents with essential tools and resources to foster their child's development. Bethany highlights the importance of engaging parents as their child's first teachers and the significance of addressing basic needs to enhance literacy outcomes. Throughout the episode, Bethany emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and the power of shared messaging among partners to create a consistent support system for families. She also discusses the challenges facing families today, including rising parental stress and the need for basic resources, while shining a light on the progress and opportunities available in the field of early literacy. Join us for this insightful conversation that not only informs but also inspires action within the community to support early childhood education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of our children and the importance of literacy! Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad 01:30 Introduction of Bethany, Executive Director of Early Childhood Alliance 05:00 Overview of the Early Childhood Alliance's mission and partners 12:00 Importance of parents as first teachers in early literacy 18:30 Key initiatives: Talk, Read, Sing and Help Me Grow 25:15 Addressing basic needs to support literacy 32:00 Challenges facing families and community responses 40:00 Opportunities for involvement and support in early childhood education 45:00 Thank you to our guest, Bethany Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow! About Our Guest Bethany J. Creaser - the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA), Onondaga, Inc. Executive Director since 2023. As a lifelong Syracuse resident, Bethany has a deep understanding of the many challenges our community’s children and families face, from health care and education to child care and financial security. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a tireless, dedicated leader who is unwavering in her commitment to Onondaga County’s youngest residents. Prior to joining the ECA, Onondaga, Bethany worked for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (CCOC) for 15 years – her most recent role being the Clinical, Family, and Peer Support Services Program Officer providing programmatic and fiscal oversight for a diverse department offering mental health, peer support, parent education, and child welfare/prevention programs. Prior to her work at CCOC, she worked at The Salvation Army for 10 years as a program director for Barnabas Center for youth. She has a strong history of community leadership and presently serves on numerous boards and committees. Connect with Us: Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow TikTok: @literacylaunchpad Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad Website: onliteracy.org **This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County** #literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers
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    38 mins
  • EP 11: The Gift of Reading: Holiday Book Recommendations for Every Age with Casey Rose Frank

    EP 11: The Gift of Reading: Holiday Book Recommendations for Every Age with Casey Rose Frank
    Dec 10 2025

    EP 11: The Gift of Reading: Holiday Book Recommendations for Every Age with Casey Rose Frank

    Summary

    In this festive episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Casey Rose Frank, the owner of the Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool, New York. Together, they explore delightful holiday book recommendations that cater to readers of all ages, making this the perfect guide for gift-giving this season.

    Listeners will be treated to Casey's insights on the importance of laughter in children's literature, as she shares her daughter's favorite reads and highlights books that engage young readers through humor and creativity. Casey emphasizes the significance of representation in children's books, showcasing titles that reflect diverse families and experiences, ensuring every child can find a story that resonates with them.

    Throughout the episode, Casey shares her top picks for various age groups, including enchanting stories for preschoolers, engaging graphic novels for preteens, and captivating reads for teens. She encourages families to create their own reading traditions during the holiday season, emphasizing the joy of sharing stories together and the magic of anticipation with advent-style books.

    Join us for this heartwarming conversation filled with valuable recommendations and insights that will inspire families to embrace the gift of reading this holiday season. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to spread the joy of books and foster a love of reading in children!

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

    01:15 Introduction of Casey Rose Frank, Owner of Golden Bee Bookshop

    05:30 The importance of laughter in children's books

    10:00 Highlighting diverse representation in children's literature

    15:20 Holiday book recommendations for preschoolers

    22:45 Engaging graphic novels for preteens

    30:00 Captivating reads for teens and creating reading traditions

    38:15 Encouraging families to embrace the joy of reading

    45:00 Thank you to our guest, Casey Rose Frank

    Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

    About Our Guest

    Casey Rose Frank is a lifelong reader who credits her childhood reading as the foundation for who she is today. Casey Rose Frank is the owner of the Golden Bee Bookshop, located in the village of Liverpool, New York. With a passion for fostering a love of reading in children and families, Casey curates a collection of diverse and engaging books that reflect the community she serves. As a dedicated advocate for independent bookstores, she believes in the power of literature to connect and inspire. She opened Golden Bee Bookshop November of 2019 and has been providing recommendations for readers of all ages since then.

    Visit the Golden Bee Bookshop online at : http://www.goldenbeebookshop.com

    or In-person at their Liverpool location: 324 1st St, Liverpool, NY 13088

    Connect with Us:

    Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

    Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

    LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

    TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

    Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

    Website: onliteracy.org

    **This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

    #literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers
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    32 mins
  • EP 10: School Readiness: Preparing for Kindergarten & Beyond

    EP 10: School Readiness: Preparing for Kindergarten & Beyond
    Nov 26 2025

    EP 10: School Readiness: Preparing for Kindergarten & Beyond

    Summary

    In this informative episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Debbie Moriarty, an experienced educator and literacy coach. Together, they delve into the vital topic of school readiness, providing parents and caregivers with essential insights and strategies to prepare their children for kindergarten and beyond.

    Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the soft skills and academic skills necessary for successful school transitions. Debbie emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and schedules at home, which can help reduce anxiety and support children as they adapt to the structured environment of school.

    Throughout the episode, Debbie shares practical tips for fostering a supportive learning environment, including the significance of rich oral vocabulary and engaging in meaningful conversations. She highlights the importance of play-based learning and encourages parents to create enjoyable literacy experiences that instill a love for reading in their children.

    Join us for this enlightening discussion filled with actionable advice that empowers families to support their children's development and ensure they feel confident and prepared as they embark on their educational journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to set their children up for success in school and life!

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

    01:30 Introduction of Debbie Moriarty, Literacy Coach

    05:15 Understanding school readiness: soft skills vs. academic skills

    12:00 Importance of routines and schedules for children

    18:45 Creating a supportive learning environment at home

    25:30 The role of play in developing literacy skills

    32:00 Helping children navigate school transitions

    38:15 Key takeaways for parents and caregivers

    45:00 Thank you to our guest, Debbie Moriarty

    Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

    About Our Guest

    Debbie Moriarty is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in the field of literacy. With a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in reading, she has worked as a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, and professional development facilitator. She also has her doctorate in literacy, Debbie is passionate about empowering both students and teachers to achieve literacy success.

    Connect with Us:

    Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

    Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

    LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

    TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

    Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

    Website: onliteracy.org

    **This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

    #literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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