Next Steps: Should I Be Concerned? - Page 2

Take Action

If your observations and experience cause you to be concerned about your child, what you do next can make all the difference. The more you know about how to get help for your child, the better off your child will be. Make sure you:

• Talk with everyone who knows your child: your child's teachers or early care providers, doctor, nurse or health care professional. Share details about your concerns and ask for feedback and specific recommendations.

• Have your child's hearing and vision checked regularly.

• Talk with other parents who have children of the same age to see whether they have similar concerns about their children.

• Go to a public library to gather information and check out your concerns in books or on the Internet. Ask the librarian to point you in the right direction. See the section below for specific resources that might be helpful.

• Call or go to your local school district office and request information. Keep in mind that going to the school district and asking for information or help does NOT mean that your child is headed for a special education evaluation. School personnel can be very helpful and can often lead you to help and resources that are free of charge and may be just what you are looking for to help your child make progress.

You Can Help

There are so many ways that you can help your child to get ready to read. Even if it's only for a few minutes, look for fun ways to incorporate early literacy activities into your daily routine. Your child will love the one-on-one time with you and will look forward to repeating this special time day after day. Ask your child's teacher, care provider or your local librarian for ideas about activities that will strengthen your child's skills. Watch for and keep a record of changes and growth. Here are some ideas:

• Read to your child every day.
• Point out words and letters that you find in your daily routines, while shopping or traveling through the neighborhood.
• Sing songs and share nursery rhymes.
• Go to the library and read books together.
  
  

Free resources on the Get Ready to Read! Web site

• Use the online version of the Get Ready to Read! screening tool with your child.
• Print out the Home Literacy Checklist and check it for ideas from time to time.
• Print out the Classrootm Literacy Checklist and share it with your child's teacher or early care provider.
• Print out Get Ready to Read! activity cards and try some early literacy activities with your child and even with a small group of his or her friends!
• Play the Get Ready to Read! online games.
• Go to our partner page and find links to the Web sites of the Get Ready to Read! national partners for more exciting ideas and fun activities.