Meet Innovative Services NW, one of the Children’s Book Bank’s community partners! Innovative Services NW’s early learning and childcare program serves children ages 1 – 5 years, many of whom come from families below the State Median Income level in Washington. Many have also experienced difficulties that make learning in a classroom a challenge.
“A lot of the children come from backgrounds with trauma, impacting their ability to regulate and focus,” says Stephanie Oman, Early Learning Manager & ECEAP Director at Innovative Services NW.
Because of this, their play-based curriculum focuses on social emotional development to set the foundation for success when they transition to kindergarten. Books are a huge help with this objective. “Having books in the classroom is so helpful!” says Oman. “Books are a fantastic medium for teaching young children and stirring up their curiosity. We especially love using books to talk through social situations, problem solve, and share about diversity.”
The staff at Innovative Services NW have noticed that reading books together is a meaningful way for teachers to build relationships with children one-on-one. Kids who are having dysregulated behaviors or emotions often seek out books as a calming strategy.
The kids also love sharing their favorite books with each other by “reading” to their friends, i.e. talking about the pictures and telling a story (they’re a little young to be reading by themselves!). Kids are excited when new books enter the classroom, and especially love books that are science related. Any books that feature real animals, dinosaurs, sharks, bugs, community helpers (like firefighters or maintenance workers), or how things work are sure to be a hit!
Learn more about the work Innovative Services NW does: www.innovativeservicesnw.org