Parenting and Child-Care Resources
Parenting Resources for Check-Out
The following kits for parents and caregivers check out for four weeks at a time. You can search for them, see their various themes and place holds on them through the catalog. They are housed at the Columbia Public Library, but can be picked up at any library or bookmobile stop by placing a hold or asking our staff.
Parent Packs
Parent Packs – Expectant parents or those with a new baby will benefit from these kits which include books about pregnancy and parenting, a yoga DVD and a set of pamphlets for you to keep. The pamphlets include a list of books for children about new siblings, information on breast-feeding, child safety and getting assistance from social service agencies. Disponible en español también. Parent Packs are made possible by a generous donation from the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.
PAL Kits
Play As Learning Kits – PAL kits help parents and children explore learning in a play-like atmosphere. PAL kits contain books, toys and music or a video for young children ages birth-3 years. PAL kits come in 10 different themes like language development, creativity or music and movement. PAL was founded by Educare Boone County and the Daniel Boone Regional Library and is continued through DBRL.
Little Red Reading Boxes
Little Red Reading Boxes – These story time kits are for children ages 3-5, with a few geared to ages 2 and under. The boxes are oriented into themes like motor skills, colors, cooking and families. Each one contains books, a videotapes or music cassette, puppets or toys and a packet of related activities. These kits are great for parents and for small groups in a day-care situation.
Art Museum Kits
St. Louis Art Museum Touch Kits – Parents or teachers can check out these museum kits containing replicas of art objects and artifacts which can be handled and looked at up close, as well as slide kits, posters, books and either audiocassettes or videos.
Services for Child-Care Providers
Recognizing that many children today spend some time in a child-care facility, we provide services to caregivers, which include accredited workshops, programs, tours and story times specifically for childcare groups. All programs are listed on our Kidcare monthly postcards. If you're a child-care provider, you can get your name added to the mailing list by calling (573) 443-3161, ext. 7045 or e-mailing us.
An Educare Resource Center near the children's area of each library offers a reference collection of planning materials for care-providers.
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