What is University-Based Early Learning Research Center

The purpose of this chapter is to describe a series of community-based family literacy sessions and the responsive strategies used to modify the sessions for remote instruction to meet the needs of caregivers of young children (birth to age 3). Situated within a two-generation approach to family engagement, the sessions were implemented through a family-school-community partnership with a university-based early learning research center, early learning centers in two urban Title I schools, and a public library. Session attendees included a sample of 44 racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse families. In addition to describing the family literacy program, the chapter highlights the ways in which family literacy sessions can positively influence the home literacy environment of families who participate in sessions regularly. The chapter concludes with recommendations for facilitators aiming to work collaboratively with community partners and families to develop mutually beneficial family literacy initiatives.