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Training Wheels is an outreach service of Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

The program provides on-site, customized training for those who care for young children (ages 0-6).

Training is designed to improve caregivers' skills in developmentally appropriate practice, especially as it relates to early literacy. Call (901)415-2739 for info.

Training Wheels helps caregivers with questions like:

• Why should I read every day to my children and what should I read?
• How do children learn to read?
• How can I fit books into all areas of a preschool curriculum?
• What can babies do with books?
• What about discipline and young children?
• Where can I get an educator's or organization library card?
• Are there any craft activities that tie in with books?

Training Wheels collections and services:

• Mobile unit for on-site visits/ materials delivery
• Thematic unit kits
• Parent/Teacher resource collection
• Make-and-take learning activity materials
• Picture books, board books, book/cassette pairs, big books, videos, music cassettes, puppets, and manipulatives.

More About Training Wheels

• Children's librarians and early childhood specialists trained in adult education visit a site and give "annotated" demonstration storytimes using the site's own children.
• Later, caregivers come back on board the 40' vehicle for a workshop tailored to their needs.
• The free service is scheduled during the regular class/ center hours.
• Materials used in the demonstration and workshop are available for fully automated check-out from the vehicle.
• Serves the entire Memphis/ Shelby County area.

For more information about children and caring for them try:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children.