Talking is Teaching is a national campaign designed to help parents build early language and literacy skills by talking, reading, and singing with their children every day. Research shows that even before children can speak, engaging them in simple conversations and shared activities helps form essential brain connections and lays the foundation for future success in school and beyond.
In 2019, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) partnered with Talking is Teaching to bring these tools and resources to families across Livingston County. Since then, the initiative has reached homes, classrooms, and community spaces with the goal of empowering parents to support their child’s development in meaningful, everyday ways.
That mission recently expanded into a new setting: the LACASA Center. When LACASA opened its new facility, LESA’s Talking is Teaching team saw an opportunity to support the children and families who utilize the center’s services. The team worked collaboratively with LACASA staff to introduce early literacy resources throughout the building.
“Our hope is to empower all of our families and community members to TALK, READ, and SING as a way to support the language and literacy development of our youngest children in the county. We are thrilled to have a new presence at LACASA and look forward to partnering with them for years to come,” said Melissa Marie, LESA’s Assistant Superintendent for Early Learning.
LACASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, advocating for, and empowering victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. Since 1981, the organization has provided critical support to the community, serving more than 5,000 survivors and their families each year as they heal from the trauma of interpersonal violence.
To support these families in a sensitive and welcoming way, Talking is Teaching created custom posters and materials specifically designed for the center’s calming spaces. The color palettes and messaging were intentionally chosen to be gentle, reassuring, and appropriate for the environment.
Organizers say this is only the beginning. Additional Talking is Teaching materials will be added throughout the LACASA Center in the coming months, based on need, space, and staff preference. Both organizations hope these resources will bring moments of connection, comfort, and learning to the children and caregivers who visit the center each day.
For more information on Talking is Teaching in Livingston County, please visit talkingisteachinglivingston.org.