Jump Start is the Miami Dade Public Library System’s story kit program for licensed preschool and kindergarten childcare centers. Jump Start kits contain all the tools needed to present fun, high quality storytimes on a variety of themes. Each kit includes books, fingerplays, a flannelboard story, a puppet and a music cassette tape.

	Why would Jump Start kits help my center and its children?
	How do I know if my center is eligible?
	What's in the Jump Start Kit?
	But I've never done this before!
	Do I use my library card to check out these kits?
	How do I get the kits and how long may I keep them?
	What about the care and feeding of the kit?
	What does this service cost?

Why would Jump Start kits help my center and its children?

• Reading is FUNdamental. Studies show that children learn to love reading when they are read to. That’s why libraries and schools set aside special storytimes for children. You can do the same thing at your childcare center. Presently, Jump Start has 120 subject themes with at least 5 – 10 copies per theme for the 3 - 5 age group. The Baby Jump Start themes- a total of 33—are likewise set up the same way for the newborn - 2 ½ age group. Hence, there are over 1100 story kits —some in Spanish and French Creole—available to staff of eligible centers.

How do I know if my center is eligible?

• Jump Start’s storytime-to-go service is available to all eligible preschool and kindergarten childcare centers which are situated within the library’s taxing district.
• The center may be a private, public or church school.
• Parent co-ops, licensed family care providers and homeschoolers are also eligible.

What's in the Jump Start Kit?

• Jump Start’s goal is to provide high quality picture book programs to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Its theme-related story kits consist of a variety of materials—books (at least 10 per theme), flannelboard stories, puppets, fingerplays, music cassettes, realia and craft ideas. The theme-related materials are selected by literary standards/ age/ muscle development/ level of interest/ appropriateness to theme/ and kid appeal. There is enough variety of materials for either daily 15 minute lapsit times or daily 30 minute storytimes.

But I've never done this before!

• Don’t worry! Jump Start’s free workshop will show and instruct you on how to present the materials in the kit. Soon you will be thinking of your own ways to present materials. The end results will be fun, high quality storytimes. Children who are read to daily become readers. It’s a fact!

Do I use my library card to check out these kits?

• No. Two library cards with the same barcode number will be issued in your center’s name. Both cards willl have a red “Jump Start” label on the front and your center’s name printed on the back. One of the two cards (the smaller one) is meant to be inserted on a key chain. Thus, the person responsible for picking up/returning kits at the library should have this key chain card. It is most important that the Jump Start contact person carry a Jump Start card each and every time he/she visits the library.

How do I get the kits and how long may I keep them?

• Call the Jump Start office. Its staff can determine if your center is already registered with the program, an inactive participant or a newcomer. Once your center has its library cards, your contact person calls in to order kits. Your kit order will be sent to the branch library of your choice. Within a few days, the branch staff will notify you. Your contact person will pick up the kit order, using the Jump Start library card. The kits are checked out for two weeks, but call Jump Start if you need a kit renewal. A center is allowed 3 normal kit renewals whenever possible and an extra 2 renewals during hurricane/natural disaster situations. Your contact person should place another kit order a few days before returning the old kit order so he/she can return/pick up kits in one trip to the library.

What about the care and feeding of the kit?

• Along with love of reading, you also want to teach your children to respect books. Nothing accomplishes this like children seeing you treat books with care and respect. Please make sure you return all kit materials to Jump Start. There will be a checklist to help you make sure all items are returned. The Jump Start staff checks all returned kits. If an item is missing/damaged, they will call you. Usually the missing item is accidentally left out of the kit…ie..the cassette tape is still in the tape player. However, if an item is lost or it is damaged beyond normal wear and tear, your center will be urged to replace that item. Jump Start only has a certain number of “backup” items. Your cooperation in returning/replacing items help ensure this program’s ability to circulate storytime kits to other centers –and in turn –your center.

What does this service cost?

• This service is free to eligible preschool and kindergarten childcare centers located withing the taxing district of the Miami Dade Public Library System.