Once upon a time in rural Tennessee, a young girl named Dolly Parton dreamed of becoming a country music superstar. Despite growing up in poverty and living in a one-room cabin with her 11 siblings, her imagination was always her escape and her inspiration. Now, years after she became a household name and Grammy Award-winner, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library continues to inspire and empower children to dream big, learn and grow.
Imagination Library is a free book gifting program that sends age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Started by Dolly Parton in 1995, the program has since expanded to all 50 states, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In Indiana, the program will soon be available statewide, thanks to the efforts of early childhood advocates and community leaders.
By launching Dolly Parton's Imagination Library statewide, Indiana is reaffirming its commitment to early childhood development. According to the Indiana Youth Institute, children who have access to books and quality early childhood education are more likely to succeed academically, complete high school, and become productive members of society. Unfortunately, not all children have equal access to these resources, which is where Imagination Library comes in.
Beginning in 2022, Indiana families will be able to sign up for the Imagination Library program at no cost. Each month, a new book will be mailed to their child, helping to build their literacy skills and foster a love of reading from a young age. The program is expected to reach more than 74,000 children across the state, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Imagination Library has already made a significant impact in other states and countries, with measurable outcomes such as:
One study conducted in Canada found that Imagination Library participants had significantly higher kindergarten readiness scores than non-participants, with 62% scoring at or above the expected level compared to only 34% of the control group. Another evaluation in the United States found that Imagination Library participants had higher scores in vocabulary, comprehension, and love of reading than non-participants.
Research has shown that the earliest years of a child's life are critical for brain development and shaping future outcomes. By investing in early childhood education and resources like Imagination Library, we can help set children on a path to success and ensure that they have the tools they need to reach their full potential.
However, access to quality early childhood education and resources is still a challenge for many families, particularly those in low-income and underserved communities. By bringing Imagination Library to Indiana, we are helping to bridge that gap and provide children with the foundation they need to succeed.
In conclusion, Indiana's commitment to early childhood development with Imagination Library Statewide initiative will help provide thousands of children with access to high-quality books and early literacy resources, setting them up for success in school and beyond. By investing in our youngest learners, we can build a brighter future for all of Indiana.
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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