Early Childhood Teachers

CARDS FOR TEACHERS

With authorization by their school's administration, eligible Skokie preschool teachers may obtain educator cards to check out materials to use in the classroom. Teachers at child care centers may be authorized for business cards by their director. Educator cards and business cards must be renewed each August using a new authorization form.

For details, see the rights and responsibilities of educator cardholders or the Business Library Card Application. If you have questions, contact Holly Jin, community engagement supervisor, 847-324-3117.

CURRICULUM RESOURCES 

Whatever your instruction is focused on, we have materials that can help. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our staff are our greatest resource! Let us know what you need. 

Little Learners Sets 

For a quick storytime-to-go or a supplement to your curriculum unit, check out a Little Learners Set. Each themed bag includes stories and nonfiction books along with a music CD and game or toy. 

Lists 

We have created lists of items in various formats, including books, music, movies, downloadable activity sheets, and YouTube videos, organized by popular curriculum themes. Place holds using your library card, and we’ll gather the items for you. You can also browse our reading lists for kids.

Theme Bags 

Early childhood staff with Skokie educator or business library cards may request theme bags. A librarian will select developmentally appropriate items according to the topics provided and check them out with the teacher’s card.

Online Books, Music, and Movies

Use your library card number for immediate access to online children’s books, music, and movies via Hoopla, Overdrive, and TumbleBook Library. Apps for each resource are available.

Custom Events 

Let us contribute our energy and enthusiasm to enrich your students’ learning adventure! 

Classroom Visits

Children’s librarians are available to lead events tailored to what your class needs. Contact us at earlychildhood@skokielibrary.info with your request. 

Field Trips to the Library

Contact us at earlychildhood@skokielibrary.info with your request.

Summer Reading

Every year we celebrate a full season of reading, learning, and sharing, along with giveaways and fun surprises in our summer reading program. A classroom-friendly version is available so that prereaders can get in on the good times, too.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT 

Partner with us to host your family events. No matter the topic, our youth librarians will work with you to develop the right presentation and resources. Contact Holly Jin to discuss potential topics and dates.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Send an email to earlychildhood@skokielibrary.info to sign up for our monthly email filled with resources and ideas.

Storytime Tips 

Join one of our live events or subscribe to our YouTube storytime playlist to watch model storytimes. Learn a new song from our singalong videos featuring local preschool teachers. Or use the Storytime at Home lesson plans from our storytimes page that feature online books you can access right from your classroom.

Teacher Workshops

Librarians love to brag about books, share their best storytime secrets, and explain the ease of incorporating early literacy practices throughout the day. Send your request to us at earlychildhood@skokielibrary.info.

Online Courses

Use your library card to access free, online courses on early childhood topics such as language development and preschool lesson planning strategies.