To participate in the program family child care providers are required to attend a library orientation training that covers basic child development with an emphasis on the latest brain development research, the importance of reading with children, and the details of the program. Additional trainings are provided upon the providers' needs and interests. Picture books and beginning readers are provided in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. Agencies report great enthusiasm for the program. Often parents do not bring toys or books from home to deal with the wait, which can sometimes be as much as an hour.
Children become bored and parents impatient.
The books become a focal point for parents and children to enjoy this waiting time together. If this previously stressful time can have moments of pleasure, it is hoped that the families will repeat this experience at home by reading to their children. Each month volunteers visit approximately 30 agencies to replace and exchange the collections. Sites include county medical, dental and mental health facilities, corrections field offices and jails, Adult and Family Services, and Child and Family Services offices. The Early Childhood Resource Centers, created for early childhood care and education professionals, offer curriculum, child development and professional development materials, including It's In The Bag , an extensive gathering of curriculum materials to be used in the classroom or child care home.