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The project consists of 3 Alternative Work Environment(AWE)-Early Literacy Stations, which are stand-alone computer systems each containing 46 pre-installed educational software packages.
The educational software spans 7 curricular areas including reading, math, science and geography. The project will be installed in the Escondido Public Libraries.
The Escondido Public Library is a full-service municipal public library, with two locations serving children in Escondido. Over 2000 adults and children use Escondido Library facilities daily. Last year the library checked out over 250,000 childrens books and media items; and conducted 519 programs and classes for children with 13,319 attendees.
One AWE station is already successfully in use by the Library's Family Literacy Program at the East Valley Parkway location. This project would double the AWE Stations at that location (2) as well as provide 2 AWE stations in the main library located in central Escondido. Professional childrens librarians and trained staff at both libraries will promote the AWE Stations to parents and children and will assist them in using the stations. The AWE stations will be available for use during the entire time the library is open to the public.
The project addresses the goal of basic education and literacy by teaching basic reading readiness as well as 6 other curricular areas for the target age group of 2 through 10 years of age. It will also be helpful for older students and adults.
The City of Escondido has a population of over 143,000, including approximately 12,000 children in the target age group. Escondido Union School District records indicate that 66.6% of its students are economically disadvantaged and 67.3% are of Latino origin.
The three AWE Early Literacy Stations in the Escondido libraries have the potential to provide over 7,000 one-hour sessions for parents and children to acquire basic skills in math, reading, science, geography, and many other areas of knowledge. This will help prepare children for the school experience as well as assist those already in school to do better work. In addition, this will assist older students and adults improve their skills in English as a second language.
The Escondido Rotary Club will spearhead the project with the assistance of many Rotary members. Laura Mitchell, City Librarian and Rotarian, will oversee the use of the AWE programs to insure the project is being used properly. Gloria Tecca, Librarian and Rotarian, will schedule and train volunteer Rotarians to work various afternoons assisting children with the programs as part of Escondido Rotary's Community Service activities. Jennifer Walters, Elementary School Superintendent and Rotarian, will promote the new programs throughout the Escondido School District.
As soon as this project is approved and funded, the AWE Stations will be ordered and delivered in approximately 6 weeks. The system then will be installed and put into use immediately by library staff. Each AWE Station is a complete, turnkey, standalone system with 46 pre-installed educational software programs.
Project funds: 3 Computers with software at $2,280 each = $6,840.00
Tax: 598.50
Shipping: 150.00
Headphones: 3 at $20.00 each 60.00
Worksheets & books to accompany computer programs 351.50
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Total: $8,000.00
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