Programs for Parents

Learning Starts Here

As their children's first teachers, parents have the opportunity to share new words, exciting ideas and imaginative play. Learning can take place anywhere and anytime, whenever you have a few minutes together--in the line at the grocery store, at bath time, on the bus or before bed. We invite you to join us and explore fun activities and resources especially developed for parents and caregivers of young children.

List of Programs:

Sign It! Using Sign Language with Your Baby

Did you know your baby can communicate with you before he/she can talk? Sign language gives babies the tools to express their wants and needs before they are able to speak. Parents, caregivers and grandparents will learn basic sign language at this interactive workshop.

Online Playground for Parents

Explore how playing online with your child can support the early learning skills that every child needs to be able to read. Through this workshop, parents, caregivers and grandparents will have the opportunity to play with online games and resources that are geared towards preschoolers (age 3-5) and learn how to evaluate and share these resources with their child.

Mother Goose: Early Literacy Activities for Parents of Infants and Toddlers

This two-part workshop will show parents, caregivers and grandparents how to incorporate nursery rhymes and books into their daily lives. Adults will learn the importance of language development for young children and how choosing good books and singing rhymes and songs can enhance their child's early literacy skills.

Mother Goose: Math & Science

Learn about Library resources available to parents, caregivers and grandparents of preschoolers that enhance early literacy activities and support basic math and science skills. Kits are available at CLP - Allegheny for you to borrow that extend your child's curiosity and interest in the world around him/her.

Play for Parents

In this three-part interactive workshop parents, caregivers and grandparents will learn about the wonder of play and why it is called "child's work." Adults will learn the developmental stages of play, how play helps children think and understand both written and spoken language and how children use their imaginations to express themselves and make sense of the world around them.

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Learning Starts Here Initiative:

Parents are their child's first teacher. To enhance family learning opportunities, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has designed a variety of programs, activities and resources especially for infants and toddlers and their parents. Our trained children's librarians and kid-friendly spaces provide a welcoming environment that supports the needs, skills and abilities of young children and their families. By joining the Learning Starts Here initiative, you and your child will form a closer relationship as you build a foundation for future school success.

Pick up a brochure at your neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Complete six of the early learning activities with your child. Return the brochure to your neighborhood library to receive a free toddler backpack set for your child (while supplies last).