Community events/ Early Childhood Education/ Education/ Events
Community events/ Early Childhood Education/ Education/ Events

Building Strong Foundations: B-3 Early Literacy Workshop Empowers Livingston County Providers

On Saturday, April 5, early childhood professionals from across Livingston County gathered at the Livingston Educational Service Agency for an engaging, hands-on workshop focused on early literacy practices for our youngest learners. This free Birth-to-Three Early Literacy Essentials Workshop offered attendees valuable research-based strategies, inspiring discussion, and a toolkit of new literacy materials—plus free books and toys for use in their work with families.

Presenters Sara Leggett, Ed.S., NCSP, Director of Early Childhood Special Education at LESA, and Lisa Pecorilli-Eoll, Early Literacy Coach at LESA, guided participants through three impactful modules:

  • Creating Safe, Secure, and Stimulating Environments
  • Playing with Sounds and Inviting Children to Play
  • Enhancing Two-Way Communication with Gestures

Each practice was linked to brain development in the earliest years of life, underscoring the importance of meaningful interactions between infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. The workshop emphasized how high-quality early experiences support kindergarten readiness and long-term reading success by third grade.

Attendees left the workshop energized and equipped with tools they can immediately apply—strengthening early literacy skills in Livingston County’s youngest children.

📚 This workshop was made possible through a literacy grant awarded to Great Start Livingston by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).

🙌 Special thanks to our wonderful presenters:

  • Sara Leggett, Ed.S., NCSP, Director of Early Childhood Special Education at Livingston ESA
  • Lisa Pecorilli-Eoll, Early Literacy Coach at Livingston ESA

👏 A huge thank-you to Caitlin Fazio from Child Care Network for helping us prepare and warmly welcoming participants at the check-in table. We value your partnership and appreciate your support in making this event a success!

🙏 Special appreciation to Alexis Brockie and Lakeshore Learning, for donating beautiful bags for every participant.

Literacy Essentials slide + presenter duo – Sara Leggett and Lisa Pecorilli-Eoll led the workshop with heart.
Alphabet Learning Locks – Literacy meets fine motor play!
Count & Play Washable Activity Book
So many choices to fit every developmental stage.
Everyone took home 3 books!
Dynamic presentation – Hands-on learning in action.
Interactive literacy flower – A creative way to reflect on essential practices.
Check-in team ready to greet – Thanks Caitlin and Breanne!
Room full of learning and laughter – Providers exchanged ideas and inspiration.
Lakeshore Practice Rings – Fun and functional tools for building early learning skills.
Book buffet! – Attendees chose multiple books for their classrooms or home visits.
Tabletop essentials – Literacy practices, fidgets, bookmarks, and tools for learning.
Workshop in session – Over 40 professionals deepening their understanding of early literacy.
Rainbow Ball Drop from Lakeshore Learning – Just one of the many engaging toys given to providers.
Mix or Match Jungle Animals – Magnetic fun for practicing language and play.
Thanks to Lakeshore Learning for donating these bags!
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