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Early Child Literacy

Outreach to Childcare’s mission is to provide Early Literacy Programs for children ages 0-6 years old, located in Jackson County. We partner with local childcare sites and home daycares with four or more children, providing free on-site storytimes, book bags and library resource information for providers.

What We Offer

Storytime at your Childcare Center

We bring the library to you! Through visits to local childcare centers, we deliver interactive storytimes that build early literacy skills and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Monthly Book Bags

Each month, you’ll receive a book bag filled with a rotating collection of 40 age-appropriate books to support early literacy and spark curiosity.

You can also request additional materials to fit your needs:

  • Board book boxes for babies
  • Children’s music CDs

Materials are sent to your nearest library branch for easy pickup, and delivery to your site can be arranged if needed.

Events, Tabling, & Pop-Ups

Invite Outreach to Childcare to your campus event to connect families and students with library resources and services.

Contact Us for More Info

Book of the Month

View this month’s book in the library catalog

There is nothing more magical than a grandmother's love. But one lucky girl suspects her grandmother has actual magic. It's in the tun-tun-tun of the way she dances salsa, in the warmth of her hugs, and the delicious smell of her cooking. The granddaughter wonders: will I have magic of my own one day? Follow the magic in this heartfelt picture book that features extensive backmatter that includes two special recipes from Mayra Cuevas and uplifting illustrations from Lorena Alvarez Gómez.

Song of the Month

I'm Thankful

Practice saying thank you with the Roundabouts! This song is perfect for Thanksgiving, or any time you're feeling thankful.

Early Literacy Poems

A B C Tumble Down D

A B C, tumble down D (slap thighs, hands, thighs, roll hands)

The cat’s in the cupboard (flat hands on side of eyes)

And can’t see me (cover eyes)

Leaves

One is Orange

Two are Brown

Three are Yellow

On the ground

Four are Green

Five are Red

One just fell

Upon my head!

The Apple Tree

Way up high

In the apple tree

Two little apples

Smiled at me

I shook that tree

As hard as I could

Down came the apples

Mmm, mmm, good!

Storytime with JCLS

Engaging 20-30 minute storytimes which include reading, songs, and interactive activities.

Through stories, songs, and play, children from birth to preschool build early literacy, social, and motor skills that prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Storytime also gives caregivers ideas for reading and playing together at home while connecting with other families in the community.

Storytime Info

Early Literacy Resources

LEAP Bags

LEAP Bags are the ultimate early literacy tool! Each bag has 7 books, 1 learning toy, a resource guide for adults, and a different theme!

Get A Leap Bag

Homeschool Support

Explore resources and tools that support connections to books and authors, guide collaborative learning, and inspire further reading.

Explore Homeschool Resources

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free early-literacy program that encourages families to read 1,000 books together before a child starts kindergarten.

About 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Contact Us

outreachtochildcare@jcls.org