Many young children with visual impairments who are likely to become braille readers may not have early literacy experiences similar to those of their sighted peers.  This training addresses the unique needs of early braille/tactual learners and supports their teachers and families through the use of assessments tools, curricular materials and hands-on experiential activities that promote emergent literacy in the home and in transition to early childhood education.

A commitment to participate in the following dates is mandatory to the program's success.

All six (6) sessions must be attended in order to receive credit

NO partial credit will be given.

After a one hour "virtual" Introductory session the schedule for the training will consist of four half-day meeting times for teachers throughout the spring and finish with a 6th meeting that includes families and students.

January 26, 2022 is the Introductory session

from 3:00 to 4:00 pm via Zoom

A link will be sent out prior to the event

The following sessions are ONSITE only

February 23, 2022           Part 1 - 1pm to 4:00 pm

March 24, 2022                 Part 2 - 1pm to 4:00 pm

April 21 2022                      Part 3 - 1pm to 4:00 pm

May 19, 2022                       Part 4 - 1pm to 4:00 pm

The training will culminate in the half-day session

with families and students. 

Topics covered will be: 

1. Motor Development: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, and Tactile        Discrimination.

2. Concept Development

3. Emergent Reading and Writing (two sessions)

Communication and Language Acquisition will be addressed throughout all sessions as it relates to each topic. 

Teachers will implement activities with students between sessions (possibly videotaping) and share their fun results with the other participants when we get together.  Families and others involved with each child's education are encouraged to participate in activities that are to be carried out between sessions.