The Tri-County Literacy Network is responsible to the
Employment Ontario for literacy program planning
at the regional and community levels in Chatham-Kent, Essex, and Lambton.
Local Planning and Coordination
The Network coordinates the development of a Literacy Services Plan in
each community. Involvement from all streams (Anglophone, Francophone,
Native and Deaf) in the development of the literacy service plan is encouraged.
What is a Literacy Services Plan?
A literacy services plan is produced annually by literacy providers and
partners. It is a broad response to the literacy needs of the community.
The plan identifies key activities to be carried out by agencies as well
as gaps and overlaps which must be addressed.
Ongoing support
The Network has a responsibility to provide ongoing support to agencies
throughout Chatham-Kent, Essex and Lambton counties to deliver quality
programming. This key responsibility may include developing resources
or training modules, responding to requests for information, identifying
training and resource needs and providing follow up to new initiatives.
The Network has a literacy resource library, and produces an
annual newsletter.
Enhancing Communication
Communication among literacy delivery agencies in the region and between
the region and the
Employment Ontario is
critical in the development of a cooperative system of literacy services.
The Network shares information on "best practices" and keeps
abreast of regional and provincial issues that may impact on programs.
It is important that the Network relays information to literacy programs
on all developments that pertain to them.
Information and Referral
The Tri-County Literacy Network provides an information and referral service
and toll free number in an effort to ensure that potential students are
directed to the program that best suits their needs. The Network is also
responsible to ensure that a protocol is developed in cooperation with
programs to be utilized between agencies and by referring agents, again
ensuring that the student enters the most appropriate program.
Coordinating Training and Professional Development
Providing regional coordination of the ongoing professional development
of literacy staff. Potential volunteers can be referred to programs in
their area. The Network coordinates training events and opportunities
in accordance with government requirements and identified needs.
Managing Special Projects
In consultation with the programs, proposals are developed to support
the efforts of literacy service providers in areas that are identified
as priorities. If funding is secured through the
Employment Ontario, the Network will manage the project on behalf
of the region.
Educating the Public
The Network provides education to the public and key stakeholders at a
regional level on the nature and extent of the literacy needs of adults
in their region. This is done through presentations, publications, and
regular publicity. The Network participates in community events and works
to develop partnerships within the communities in the region.
