Early Childhood Alliance wins Purdue award
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Book Buddies, an early literacy program by Early Childhood Alliance that serves six Indiana counties, is the recipient of the 10th annual Purdue University Inspiring Families and Building Communities Award.
The award, announced by Christine Ladisch, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, honors organizations that have a direct impact on the community and have improved the well-being of Indiana families. The winner will receive $1,500 cash and a certificate.
Book Buddies is a program developed by Early Childhood Alliance that serves DeKalb, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley counties. In the past 10 years, more than 1,500 families have participated in the program. Book Buddies offers opportunities for children, ages 3-6, to develop reading, writing and language skills. It also provides resources to parents on how to nurture those skills in the home.
Recently, the program began focusing on outreach to the large Burmese population in the Fort Wayne area. During the Book Buddies program, the children learn reading and writing skills needed to enter school. The Book Buddies staff also works with the Burmese parents to better prepare them to nurture these skills in their homes.
Book Buddies meets monthly from September through May. For more information about Early Childhood Alliance and their programs call 260-745-2501 or visit http://ecalliance.org
Writer: Rebekah Piotrowicz, 765-496-3006, rpiotrow@purdue.edu
Source: Denise M. Buhrmester, 765-496-3663, dmbuhmester@purdue.edu