The Éveil à la lecture et à l’écriture (ÉLÉ) (Discover reading and writing) program is intended for children 5 years of age and under to guide them on their journey of discovery of the written language. The goal is to integrate accessible book activities into families and places where children regularly go, such as local community service centres (Centres locaux de services communautaires, CLSC), daycare centres (Centres de la petite enfance, CPE), public libraries, preschool education facilities or community organizations that serve the needs of children and their families.
The program has a wide range of partners and, as such, the library is often the focal point of activities. At one and the same time, the library is the project’s heart, its start-up tool and a natural support to the partners.
Who instituted this program?
The program was instituted by the Québec government in 1999, within the framework of its policy on reading and books titled "Le temps de lire, un art de vivre," and is intended for individuals who work with children five years of age and under and the parents of these children.
Why was it instituted?
- The goal of the ÉLÉ (Discover reading and writing) program is to integrate, on a regular and even daily basis, reading and writing awareness activities into families and family service organizations in underprivileged neighbourhoods.
- When we succeed in “introducing the discovery of written language early in a child’s life, we give that child every chance to succeed.” (Excerpt from the Policy on Reading and Books)
To become familiar with animation techniques using books and to learn how to apply them to reach parents in underprivileged neighbourhoods, consult the distance learning Web site of the Société de formation à distance des commissions scolaires du Québec, SOFAD.
For more information, contact participating libraries. You can also forward your questions to the Direction régionale de Montréal du ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.
The ÉLÉ (Discover reading and writing) program is overseen by the Ministère de l’Éducation, in collaboration with the Ministères de la Santé et des Services sociaux, de la Famille et de l’Enfance, de la Culture et des Communications, and de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale.
In 2002, the program was renewed for five years under the “Government Policy on Adult Education and Continuing Education and Training.”
