We have discussed the developmental needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, but what of adults? Knowing the needs of adults who live and work with children is very important to providing effective services for them. The library serves many different kinds of parents with different levels of early childhood development understanding including:
Within our communities there are special needs families as well, new immigrants, homeless, parents or children with disabilities. All of these people, regardless of education level, background and relationship to the child want for that child the same basic things: care and touch, security, attention, exposure to developmental and language building experiences, but may require different levels of support and assistance in attaining them. Some are aware of the library and all its many resources and programs, others may need to be introduced to what the library has to offer.
The library also serves various adults who work with children such as:
These adults could make use of the library for numerous reasons. For example, they may use library research aids and databases, check out materials for professional development, check out materials to use with children, tap into referral files, hold meetings or workshops in the conference room, or any number of other activities. Once you are aware of, and plan for, the great variety of situations and needs within your community, each program, interaction and connection you make can be effective.
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