Chester, VT — In celebration of the Week of the Young Child, Whiting Library invites families with infants and toddlers to participate in a unique, interactive play-based learning experience designed to support early childhood development and strengthen caregiver-child connections.
This 90-minute immersion session will be led by Cara Tyrrell, a nationally recognized early childhood teacher trainer, author, and parent educator who grew up in Chester. The program offers a hands-on alternative to a traditional author talk and will take place within the library’s Family Place play group environment. Pre-registered families will receive a copy of Cara’s newly published book, Talk to Them Early and Often: A Caregiver’s Guide to Intentional Language Development for Infants and Toddlers, to take home.
During the play group session, Cara will model intentional language strategies rooted in her Collaborative Discipline framework: connect, communicate, collaborate, and compromise. These research-backed techniques help caregivers understand how everyday interactions and word choices can spark early learning, support emotional regulation, and build strong relationships.
Caregivers will observe intentional language strategies in action and practice techniques with their children during the play group. Participants will receive caregiver coaching and leave with practical tools to use with young children right away.
The program emphasizes learning through low-pressure, playful moments, ways of helping caregivers build confidence in supporting their child’s development through everyday interactions.
A follow-up author chat with Ms. Tyrrell will be held at Whiting Library on Saturday, May 9, 10:30AM, offering families the opportunity to return with questions and receive additional guidance on applying these communication strategies at home. This two-part model ensures that the experience is not only inspiring, but also practical and sustainable.
This program is part of Whiting Library’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and building foundations for early learning in the community.
Registration details, date, and time: Contact Carrie King, Youth Librarian, youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org or register online follow this link.
Location: Whiting Library, 117 Main Street, Chester, VT
