ECRC Collection: Early Childhood Resource Center

ECRC Contract Renewed: August 29, 2011

 The Department of Early Education and Care has announced a renewal of a $7000 contract to the Springfield City Library to fund the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC), housed in the Central Library Children's Room, 220 State Street, in Springfield.

Five Early Childhood Resource Centers have been awarded the contract, with our Central Library the only western Massachusetts location. Books, DVDs, puppets, kits, and many other items especially for parents, preschool teachers, childcare providers, and anyone who works with young children, are available to borrow with a C/WMARS library card. Check out photos of all items at the ECRC page, including rhyming flash cards, a cooking set, a “Sheep in a Jeep” storytelling kit, safety activity kit, and a life-size tiger puzzle. In any economy it's smart to borrow instead of buy!

Please call the Central Library Children's Room at (413) 263-6828, ext. 201 with any questions.

About the DEEC

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) was created in 2005 in an effort to better focus state resources on young children in need of high-quality childcare and early education opportunities. The DEEC focuses on supporting both families and early childhood care providers in order to meet this goal. Parents are also welcome to use most ECRC resources. For more information, visit the DEEC's website.

ECRC Events

Approximately twice a year, the DEEC will sponsor events especially for preschool teachers and family childcare providers. The topics will vary but will generally include a speaker, a light supper, and door prizes. Events will be held in the evening at the Central Library. Click here to join our mailing list.

Just for the Early Childhood Community

The DEEC has provided the ECRC with a resource just for use by the Early Childhood Community.

Our Ellison Die Machine allows precision cutting of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and 17 shapes, including an apple, a snowflake, and a butterfly. ( For the full list, click here .)

If you would like to use the Ellison Die machine , please call 263-6828 x201 to make an appointment. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Weekend appointments are available. You must provide your own paper. (Construction paper is appropriate.) When you arrive, a staff person will demonstrate how to use the machine and will ask that you sign a liability waiver. You can then use whatever shapes we have and cut whatever you need.

Storytimes at the Library

If you are a teacher or family childcare provider you may call us to arrange for your class to visit us at the Central Library and have a special storytime. If you are a family childcare provider with a small group of children, you may want to join one of our regular storytime groups. Check our online calendar for current storytimes.To arrange for a special storytime at the Central Library, contact us at 236-6828 x 201.

Newsletter

Spring 2012 ECRC Newsletter (PDF)

Email Updates:

To be added to a mailing list for email updates about the ECRC at the Springfield City Library, please email: clarocque@springfieldlibrary.org, with a subject header ECRC email list or telephone the Children's Room at 413-263-6828 x201.

Contact Us

Have a question about the ECRC? Feel free to drop by the Children's Room, call, or write! We're at:

220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
413-263-6828 x 201
clarocque@springfieldlibrary.org