Early Learning
Museums and libraries have special roles in meeting the needs of the youngest learners and their caregivers.
Partnership: Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
In recognition of the role that museums and libraries play in early learning, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is supporting projects that further the goals the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, including school readiness, summer reading loss, and chronic school absence.
Partnership: Head Start, Child Care, and Public Libraries
This partnership between IMLS and the HHS Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care encourages collaboration between early childhood programs and public libraries to help meet the educational needs of young children and their families.
National Initiative: Let's Move! Museums & Gardens
This new national initiative will provide opportunities for millions of museum and garden visitors to learn about healthy food choices and promote physical activity through interactive exhibits and programs.
Search the Awarded Grants database for grants to programs that strengthen early learning (issue areas have only been assigned to grants awarded since FY 2009)
Early learning content on the IMLS website:
December 7, 2012 03:44 PM
IMLS and the Campaign held a meeting to begin developing a groundbreaking policy report on the role of museums and libraries in early learning. The publication is planned for April 2013.
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November 7, 2012 07:15 AM
The board will explore the roles of libraries and museum in early learning.
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October 16, 2012 09:17 AM
IMLS announces new guidelines and a new deadline for the nation’s largest museum grant programs.
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October 17, 2012 08:40 AM
Director Hildreth identifies five strategies for museums and libraries that are making a difference in their communities.
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August 3, 2012 01:18 PM
IMLS went to check in with the Pacific island recipients of Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies and found a wealth of programs to benefit early learners.
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July 18, 2012 12:41 PM
We know that more than 80 percent of children in poverty are not reading at grade level by the third grade, and many other children are falling behind as well; libraries and museums are taking up the challenge to improve learning outcomes for young children.
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The Family Place model is helping several California public libraries rethink their children’s programming. They’re taking services for their youngest readers beyond storytime by providing interactive children’s spaces that foster child and family development.
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The Minnesota Children’s Museum and area libraries are teaming up to create interactive exhibits that reflect each neighborhood’s unique character and spur pre-reading skills.
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Early experiences with books and language lay the foundation for a child’s later reading success and school achievement. Libraries across the country are reaching young learners in innovative ways. This profile explores literacy programs in Alaska and Kansas that are preparing young readers long before they enter the classroom.
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Quick summary of the impact of library services for early learning.
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