Baby Brilliant Programs Offer Latest Brain Development Tips to Parents, Teachers, Caregivers

YOUNGSTOWN (April 26, 2006) – Hear the latest research on how opening a book can open a bright future for your baby at two upcoming Baby Brilliant programs at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC). These programs will provide important techniques to interested parents, teachers and caregivers.

Studies indicate that early brain development, beginning in infancy, significantly impacts a child’s educational success. Brain development, such as learning ability and language progression, can be greatly enhanced by reading and showing books to infants and preschoolers up to 3 years old.

These Library programs will be of interest to those who want to know more about working with babies to develop their skills.

“WHAT’S GOING ON IN MY BABY’S BRAIN?” Features the latest research on early brain development Learn to select books that help babies and toddlers become better readers. Childhood specialist Sue McCleaf-Nespeca will present the program at two locations: BOARDMAN, May 6, at 10 a.m., and MAIN, May 10, at 7 p.m.

During “SHARING BOOKS WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS,” learn tips and techniques for sharing books with pretalkers in a way that will help children develop critical prereading skills. BOARDMAN, May 20, at 10 a.m.

The programs are free and open to parents, teachers and caregivers of children ages 0-23 months. To reserve a spot, call the Boardman branch at 330-758-1414 or the Main branch at 330-744-8636.

The Library also offers Baby Brilliant programs for babies and toddlers. TIME FOR BABIES AND BOOKS is for children ages 6 to 23 months and includes books, songs, rhymes and more. TALES FOR TODDLERS for ages 2-3 features stories and more.

For more information, pick up a copy of Happenings @ Your Library, the Library’s newsletter, at any public library in Mahoning County.