The Post

Back by popular demand, Niagara University is offering a spring-themed edition of “Books, Balls and Blocks,” a children’s educational program that also presents opportunities for early childhood, literacy and vision screenings.

Funded by the United Way of Greater Niagara, the program’s activities – games, art activities, interactive stories and more – are designed for children between the ages of 4 months and 6 years old.

The activities include active parent involvement, which research indicates is linked to a child’s school readiness. Studies by the Harvard Family Research Project show that greater parent involvement in their child’s learning positively affects the child’s school performance, including higher academic achievement.

Schedule of events:

Monday, March 12 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Niagara University Family Literacy Center (Academic Complex, Room 125)

Wednesday, March 14 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Niagara Falls Public Library (1425 Main St, Niagara Falls, N.Y., 14305)

Thursday, March 22 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Niagara Falls Public Library (8728 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, N.Y., 14304)

Tuesday, April 3 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Lockport Public Library (23 East Ave., Lockport, N.Y., 14094)

Saturday, April 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Niagara Falls Public Library (1425 Main St, Niagara Falls, N.Y., 14305)

Early childhood development screenings will be offered during all events. In addition, literacy screenings will be held during the programs on March 12, April 3 and April 7. Vision screenings, conducted by the NU Lions Club, are offered March 12, March 14 and April 7.

“Books, Balls and Blocks” is a partnership with the Niagara County Early Child Care Quality Improvement Project, Help Me Grow Western New York, and Niagara University’s College of Education Family Literacy Center, which are all part of Niagara University’s Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement.

To register and/or obtain more information, please call 716.286.8309 or visit www.niagara.edu/booksballsandblocks.