LITTLE Grant Institute was held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. The event brought together a group of dedicated professionals, including infant and toddler teachers, curriculum coordinators, lead support teachers, and directors from the Early Childhood Education program at the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter. With a focus on strengthening early childhood education, the institute proved to be a valuable opportunity for learning and growth.

Here’s a snapshot of the key topics covered during the institute:

1. Building Early Language Skills Through Responsive Interactions
   Understanding how crucial responsive interactions are in the development of early language skills was a central theme.

2. Interactive Book Reading Strategies
   A major highlight was learning strategies for interactive reading. Attendees were shown how to make storytime more engaging and educational by encouraging children to actively participate in the reading process, fostering a love for books from an early age.

3. Building a Strong Foundation for Literacy
   With a focus on the long-term benefits of literacy, the institute provided strategies to lay the groundwork for strong literacy skills.

4. Supporting Families in Developing Early Language Practices
   Equipping parents with the right tools and knowledge, the hope is to create a supportive and consistent language-rich environment for children at home and in the classroom.

A Look Ahead

The success of the first LITTLE Grant Institute is just the beginning. This event marks a significant step in the journey of empowering educators and enhancing early childhood education. By equipping teachers and caregivers with the tools and knowledge needed to nurture young learners, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for all children.

We look forward to the next institute and continue to support the work of educators and families in fostering the development of early language skills and literacy.