Dear Partners,
Last summer we began to conceptualize a potential Family Resource Center to serve families in Dodge and Jefferson counties. We are excited to share some updates with you, as an important contributor to our planning process.
Over the last year, Every Child Thrives agencies and community members have been planning for the future TalkReadPlay Center at the Watertown Public Library — not only the physical space, but also a network and programs that will support our goals of building strong families and ensuring all children are ready for and succeed in school. The planning process has included site visits, community listening forums, parent surveys, a parent focus group and multi-sector feedback sessions. We thank you for the input you provided along the way.
Opening in early 2022 at the new Watertown Public Library, the TalkReadPlay Center will be a best-in-class, evidence-based early learning destination built upon multi-sector collaboration. It will nurture strong, resilient families who have the knowledge and tools to support their children’s success in learning, work and life.
The TalkReadPlay Center’s mission is to provide quality early learning opportunities while supporting parents and caregivers in helping their children grow and learn. In doing so, it will:
- Inspire and support learning interactions
- Facilitate access to resources
- Champion caregivers as their child’s first teacher
- Work beyond its walls to build the community supports families need to thrive
A destination for families across Dodge and Jefferson counties, the Center will include the children’s library and interactive spaces for play-based learning. These dynamic spaces will include a(n):
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Infant Discovery Zone - a safe, secure place for infants and adults to explore and learn together.
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Marketplace - a space that will periodically change between real-life places like a store, restaurant, shop, classroom, doctor’s office, etc. Children will use their imagination as they build early literacy, social and emotional skills.
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Construction Zone - a space for large motor skill development where children will practice problem solving and teamwork.
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Creative Kids Lab - a space that will allow children to exercise design thinking and a “can-do” attitude as they create special projects.
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STEAM Station - a space offering hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
