As we head into the winter months, some parents may cherish the thought of snuggling up with their child and reading a fun book together. This is a great idea because reading with your child for 15–20 minutes a day not only helps them develop emergent/early literacy skills (print awareness, sound awareness, oral language) but also builds important cognitive skills like working memory and attention.
Parents play an incredibly important role as a child’s first teacher. As children learn to read, parents can support and nurture a positive relationship with reading. Since we are now spending more time at home with our families, why not have your child select a book they love for you to read together?
According to new research, parents are concerned about their children falling behind due to the pandemic. Both the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy and the Council for Professional Recognition support reading with your child each day. Books introduce children to different types of people and places, new ideas and possibilities, expand their vocabulary breadth and depth and stimulate their curiosity and imagination. The time we spend reading with our children is special, whether we’re reading time-tested stories or a trendy, new book. Consider daily activities to help promote your child’s reading.
“All educators who earn the CDA® learn about how children learn to read,” said Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Council for Professional Recognition. “The skills and content knowledge these educators learn is crucial in helping our youngest children learn to read. And for parents, it is not always about reading an actual book. You could be in the kitchen reading a recipe with them as you are cooking together. Helping them to build their love of reading is so important.”
“The Rollins Center is dedicated to development of literacy and the construction of the reading brain from the last trimester through 3rd grade – for every child,” said Dr. Ryan Lee-James, Director, Rollins Center for Language & Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School. “Learning begins at home during those first few years of life. Early childhood educators are responsible for helping families understand and support the home–school connection, which we know sets the stage for success for years to come.”
A few tips to consider for reading with your young child:
Picture books without words are also a valuable learning experience for reading readiness. This is a great way to stimulate and engage with your child as they progress during their vital brain development years.
For more information about the Rollins Center’s resources for families, visit www.atlantaspeechschool.org/professional-development/rollins-center/
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In Janie’s prior role, she was the Vice President of Administration at Equal Justice Works, where she was responsible for leading human resources, financial operations, facilities management, and information technology. She was also accountable for developing and implementing Equal Justice Works Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy focused on attracting diverse, mission-oriented talent and creating an inclusive and equitable workplace environment. With more than fifteen years of private, federal, and not-for-profit experience, Janie is known for her intuitive skill in administration management, human resources management, designing and leading complex system change, diversity and inclusion, and social justice reform efforts.
Before joining Equal Justice Works, Janie was the Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer for Global Communities, where she was responsible for the design, implementation, and management of integrated HR and diversity strategies. Her work impacted employees in over twenty-two countries. She was responsible for the effective management of different cultural, legal, regulatory, and economic systems for both domestic and international employees. Prior to Global Communities, Janie enjoyed a ten-year career with the federal government. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, she held key strategic human resources positions with multiple cabinet-level agencies and served as an advisor and senior coach to leaders across the federal sector. In these roles, she received recognition from management, industry publications, peers, and staff for driving the creation and execution of programs that created an engaged and productive workforce.
Janie began her career with Verizon Communications (formerly Bell Atlantic), where she held numerous roles of increasing responsibility, where she directed a diversity program that resulted in significant improvement in diversity profile measures. Janie was also a faculty member for the company’s Black Managers Workshop, a training program designed to provide managers of color with the skills needed to overcome barriers to their success that were encountered because of race. She initiated a company-wide effort to establish team-based systems and structures to impact corporate bottom line results which was recognized by the Department of Labor. Janie was one of the first African American women to be featured on the cover of Human Resources Executive magazine.
Janie received her M.A. in Organization Development from American University. She holds numerous professional development certificates in Human Capital Management and Change Management, including a Diversity and Inclusion in Human Resources certificate from Cornell University. She completed the year-long Maryland Equity and Inclusion Leadership Program sponsored by The Schaefer Center for Public Policy and The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. She is a trained mediator and Certified Professional Coach. She is a graduate of Leadership America, former board chair of the NTL Institute and currently co-steward of the organization’s social justice community of practice, and a member of The Society for Human Resource Management. Additionally, Janie is the Board Chairperson for the Special Education Citizens Advisory Council for Prince Georges County where she is active in developing partnerships that facilitate discussion between parents, families, educators, community leaders, and the PG County school administration to enhance services for students with disabilities which is her passion. She and her husband Randolph reside in Fort Washington Maryland.
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