Baby College 101: Courses for Ałchíní Yázhí
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Navajo Nation
Baby College 101: Courses for Ałchíní Yázhí provides Navajo parents/guardians, grandparents, childcare providers, and other caregivers with free resources to help children (ages 0-6) get ready to read.
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Who is this program for?
This program is for all Navajo parents/guardians, grandparents, childcare providers, and other caregivers of 0-6-year-old children. New reading activities, videos, and events will be posted here each week!
Who developed this program?
Faculty from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension are working closely with an advisory board of Diné community members to develop this program. A full list of community advisory board members is available.
Why are the Navajo words ałchíní yázhí included in the program name?
The Navajo words ałchíní yázhí mean babies or young children. The advisory board suggested including these words in the program name, as one goal of the program is to help families get their young children ready to read.
Who do I contact for more information?
To learn more about the program, email dinebabycollege@arizona.edu or reach out to our team:
- Sheryl (Lynn) Benally: 928-245-8845 benally3@arizona.edu
- Margine Bawden: 928-337-2267 mbawden@cals.arizona.edu
- Joyce Alves: jalves@ag.arizona.edu
Drop-in Activity Time Events
All events are for families with children ages 0-6. For questions, please contact Sheryl Benally at 928-245-8845 or benally3@arizona.edu.
Handouts and Videos
These activities are fun and easy ways to help your children get ready to read. You can do most of these activities as part of your daily routine.
Professional Development
Professional development sessions for early care and education teachers and providers.
Professional development resources
Guides for Parents
Listening to Podcasts with Young Children
Podcasts can be a great alternative to watching TV or playing video games. Podcasts are like radio shows, but you listen by streaming or downloading episodes to a phone, tablet or computer. Most podcasts are free. You can listen to them with your children and talk about what you hear.
Read Listening to Podcasts with Young Children
Screen Time with Young Children
Screen time (using any device with a screen, such as a phone, TV, iPad or tablet, PlayStation or computer) has become part of most family's everyday lives. Below are suggestions for how to make screen time a fun learning experience for the whole family.
Community Resources
- Sanders Public Library provides children’s programs, books, DVDs, and more to families. Visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more.
- Reach Out and Read is offered to families that attend the Nahat'a Dzii Health Center. Doctors talk with families about the importance of reading to young children and share books with families. Visit their website for resources and information.
- The First Things First Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of young children in the region. Check out the First Things First Family Guide to learn more about resources in your community.
Baby College 101: Courses for Ałchíní Yázhí was developed by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in collaboration with an advisory board of local stakeholders. Funding is provided by a CYFAR grant from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.