‘Hatchlings’ Program to Help Expectant and New Parents Build Skills as Babies’ Earliest Teachers to be Offered in March at Montgomery County Public Libraries

Montgomery County Public Libraries in March will be participating in “Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch,” a Maryland State Library-sponsored program developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose. The Hatchlings program helps expectant and new parents build the skills to be their child’s first teachers.

Programs will be offered on Thursday, March 16, at the White Oak Library; Saturday, March 25, at the Wheaton Library (in Spanish and English); and Tuesday, March 28, at the Long Branch Library (in Spanish and English).

All three classes will concentrate on Part One of the program, which is called “Ready to Hatch.” It uses songs and fun activities to help expectant parents learn about their baby's brain and body development and how to set their child up for success by encouraging reading from the start. Attendees will receive a free book, an early literacy activity calendar and bilingual Spanish/English song sheets.

Registration is required for Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch. Space is limited to expectant parents.

Details on the three dates and locations available in March:

• Thursday, March 16. 11 a.m. Offered in English. White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7947367.
• Saturday, March 25. 11 a.m. Bilingual session in Spanish and English. Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7948800
• Tuesday, March 28. 6 p.m. Bilingual session in Spanish and English. Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7947313

In October, participants will be invited to return with their newborns for Hatchlings: In the Nest. The autumn program is a series of four sessions intended for babies up to four months old and their parents and caregivers.

The Hatchlings program aligns with Montgomery County's strategic plan to address kindergarten readiness and targets equity focus areas. It is presented in partnership with the Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings pilot program series, the Maryland State Library and the Silver Spring Judy Center Early Learning Hub.