Arizona’s young children do not have sufficient opportunities to attend preschool. Parents are seeking new ways to support their child’s growth and development and are looking to the libraries for guidance. Scottsdale Public Library has developed “Knowing and Growing” programs that focus on parent/adult–child interactions and support early learning and development. These programs equip the significant adult(s) in a child’s life with the knowledge and skills needed to support their child’s growth and development in the areas of social and emotional development, mathematical and scientific thinking, literacy and language, and approaches for achieving kindergarten readiness.

“Knowing and Growing” programs are intentionally designed to support adult learning while remaining developmentally appropriate for the children also in attendance. During each session the family unit engages in playful interactions allowing them opportunities to practice the new skills that are introduced. Library staff, who have been provided with professional development that focuses on early childhood development, facilitate interactions. Youth staff feel efficacious in their abilities to support the families as well as the growth and development of young children. These programs also create a connection between patrons and staff which supports library use.

This enlightened approach to formatting and implementing early learning programming supports the concept that the significant adult in a child’s life is the child’s first teacher. By providing families with quality, intentional early learning programs and opportunities to interact with their child, we are creating a family support structure that promotes their child’s growth and development, preparing them for school. Scottsdale Public Library’s “Knowing and Growing” programs have partnered with Arizona State University to collect evidence demonstrating that the strategies learned establish a foundation for families to build upon, which will strengthen their child’s knowledge and understanding through every-day interactions.