Come Play With Me is based on research about the connections in the brain that need to be made at this very early age. This series of 5 workshops emphasizes and supports learning through play; the role of the parent as a child’s first teacher; facilitates early intervention; and teaches strategies that promote healthy child development and literacy. We offer these workshops periodically as a part of our role as a Family Place Library. Family Place Libraries™ are a nationwide network of hundreds of libraries who embrace the fact that literacy begins at birth, and libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. A proven change agent, Family Place Libraries transform libraries into community centers for early literacy & learning, parent education and engagement, family support, and community connectivity, helping to ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn. During these workshops, children ages 1- through 3-years and their parents and caregivers play together, meet other parents and caregivers, become familiar with the librarian and library resources, and meet local health and human service professionals in the areas of speech and language; nutrition; literacy; music and movement; and social/emotional/cognitive development. It’s an opportunity to learn more about and bond with children in an informal, interactive setting. The Community Room will be set up with toys and activities including blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, manipulatives, transportation toys, dramatic play, music, and an art or exploration activity. A different local family service professional will be available at each of the workshops along with a variety of books and other resources. The weekly focus topics and corresponding specialists are as follows: October 9: Speech/Language, Jennifer Goldman, MA CCC-SLP, CBIS, Communiverse October 16: Nutrition, Crystal Joiner, MS, RD, LD, Giant Food Stores, LLC October 23: Social/Emotional/Cognitive Development, Elaine Dougherty, OT and Lisa Fowler, Pediatric Development Associate, Ivy Rehab for Kids October 30: Literacy, Rachel Fecho, Children’s Librarian November 6: Music/Movement, TBD Registration required for each individual session of this 5-workshop series. You are encouraged to attend all 5 sessions, but it is not required. Please register ONLY for the weeks you know you will attend.

For KidsFree Admission