Improving Early Childhood Language and Literacy Experiences for Children in Local Preschool Programs through Classroom Assessment, Teacher Training, and Collaborative Support
Joseph L. Constantine, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Pamela O. Fleege, Education, Stephen B. Graves, Education, working with early childhood centers in the Tampa area.
Description: Language and literacy experiences in early childhood centers can provide a strong foundation for children’s reading and writing abilities before they begin formalized schooling. However, many preschool centers are unable to provide children with the books, writing materials, and language activities that will help them with school readiness skills. This study provided teacher training in the Tampa metropolitan area to improve classroom language and literacy environments, improve early educational experiences for 4-5 year-old children, provide training regarding assessments and interventions to USF students and community early childhood centers, encourage collaboration between USF and the community, and conduct research on the effectiveness of classroom assessments to produce positive changes in the preschool environments.
Contact Person: Joseph L. Constantine
Funding for Academic Year: 2004-05