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Early Childhood Program

Books in Homes- > PROGRAMS > Early Childhood Program

Program Description

The Books in Homes® Early Childhood Program (previously known as the 0-3 Program) typically runs in community groups, playgroups or childcare centres with parents and children aged 0-5 years old. The Early Childhood Program operates in Terms 1, 2 and 4.

Key Components

The key components of the Early Childhood Program are:

To support families by creating a “value” for reading
To support families to increase reading engagement with their children
To motivate families and children to view reading as an “everyday” activity
To create a legacy of books-of-choice in remote and low socio-economic homes.

Program Benefits

Some of the benefits of the Early Childhood Program are that it:

Empowers children and families to choose books they are excited to read together that align with their tastes and interests
Introduces new, fun and high quality picture books and board books into traditionally “bookless” homes
Allows children to start building home libraries and encourages sharing between siblings
Normalises reading and provides the foundation for the development of literacy skills prior to the schooling years especially when children read and re-read their favourite books with their parents or carers
Facilitates bonding and engagement between children and their parents or carers via reading activities
Fosters creativity and enjoyment through reading
Invokes the children’s imagination
Facilitates a positive emotional connection between books and family time so that children are more likely to remember them with warmth and nostalgia as they grow up
Provides access to contemporary stories, characters and themes that are inclusive and relevant
Enhances cultural connection via the 25% Indigenous book offering on the Program
Creates anticipation and excitement when the children wait for the arrival of their books prior to the Book Giving Assembly
Introduces children to Role Models from all walks of life and professions who share inspirational life stories because of books and reading
Provides children with a sense of achievement for being rewarded for good behaviour and effort via the Caught Being Good Program.

Program Components

The Early Childhood Program provides the following every year:

Three Preview Packs of 12 books – Each Preview Pack allows families to view all the books on offer prior to making their selections. The Preview Packs (36 books in total) are then donated to the community library for all to access.
Book Catalogues – Glossy A4 Book Catalogues are distributed in the Preview Packs to families each term. They include information on the book titles and an order form. You can view the current Early Childhood Catalogue here.
Books for Families – Each participating family receives nine books per year (three books in each of Terms 1, 2 and 4). These books are predominantly picture books and board books and have very little writing.
Book Labels – Books in Homes provides a label or name plate for each book, which emphasises the two most important characteristics of the Books in Homes program—choice and ownership.
Book Bags – Each term families receive a sturdy waterproof bag to keep and to protect their books.
Caught Being Good Books and Certificates – Books in Homes provides additional books and certificates for educators to use as tangible incentives and rewards. This presents reading in a positive light and ensures it is at the forefront of a family’s mind.

Cost

The Program provides the following each year to each participating early childcare centre: