How it Works
Bite-sized trainings to ensure children are ready to read by kindergarten
Begin Bright is an early-childhood literacy program that delivers engaging digital content to parents of young children and educators in childcare settings.
Begin Bright offers bite-sized training from any computer or mobile device. Experts — including educators, parents, and pediatricians — share proven strategies to help ensure that children are ready to read by kindergarten.
With a few clicks, parents and educators explore common-sense ideas for promoting early childhood literacy — starting at birth. Educators can download completion certificates for professional-development credits or points, and license renewal.
Begin Bright is based on a simple guiding principle: It’s never too early to nurture a lifelong love of reading.
Modules
The Begin Bright program includes five easy-to-navigate online modules delivering high-quality training for parents and educators caring for children from Birth to Age 5. To learn more, check out our sample module guides:
- Understand the importance of reading aloud to babies — early and often.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging infants with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to support toddlers — including using play time to promote literacy.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help two-year-olds read despite the so-called “terrible twos.”
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help three-year-olds accelerate their fast-growing vocabulary.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help preschoolers achieve reading readiness prior to kindergarten.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early childhood challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
Modules
The Begin Bright program includes five easy-to-navigate online modules delivering high-quality training for parents and educators caring for children from Birth to Age 5. To learn more, check out our sample module guides:
- Understand the importance of reading aloud to babies — early and often.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging infants with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to support toddlers — including using play time to promote literacy.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help two-year-olds read despite the so-called “terrible twos.”
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help three-year-olds accelerate their fast-growing vocabulary.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early literacy challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
- Learn strategies to help preschoolers achieve reading readiness prior to kindergarten.
- Hear from educators, parents, and pediatricians about early childhood challenges and opportunities.
- Explore evidence-based practices for engaging toddler with books and reading.
The Experts
Shannon Albee
A parent and educator who serves as a project manager for the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library’s award-winning literacy outreach programs. In that role, she designs and implements professional development training for early childhood educators. Previously, Shannon coordinated curriculum for the library’s popular educational puppet shows. Earlier in her career, Shannon taught children in childcare and preschool settings, from age six weeks to pre-kindergarten. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
Shannon Albee
Liz Atack
A parent and educator who manages Bringing Books to Life, the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library’s award-winning early literacy outreach program. With more than two decades of experience in education, she supports teachers and parents in promoting literacy citywide. In 2014, the National Center for Families Learning named Liz the Toyota Family Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in New York.
Liz Atack
Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea
A parent, attorney, and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Law School where he serves as director of Vanderbilt’s Immigration Clinic. In that role, Alvaro mentors students who provide legal representation to individuals seeking humanitarian immigration relief from federal agencies and the courts. In the community, Alvaro serves on the boards of organizations including the Nashville Public Library Foundation and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors. He holds a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University as well as bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Universidad de Lima in Peru.
Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea
Pat Bashir
Manager of children’s programs at the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library. In that role, Pat mentors staff, fosters community connections, and works to make libraries welcoming for all Nashvillians. With more than 20 years of experience serving libraries, Pat creates vibrant spaces that promote learning and public engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master’s degree in library and information sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Pat Bashir
Amy Booth, Ph.D.
An educator, researcher, and professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, one of the nation’s top education schools. In that role, Amy leads research initiatives focusing on early cognitive development and learning — with a special emphasis on exploring the origins and outcomes associated with individual variability in pre-academic skills. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University, master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Virginia, and doctor of developmental psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Amy Booth, Ph.D.
Klem-Marí Cajigas
An educator and family literacy coordinator for the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library’s award-winning early literacy outreach programs. In that role, she delivers literacy programming to a diverse mix of communities. Earlier in her career, Klem-Marí served as a teaching fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School and worked in the nonprofit sector. A native of Puerto Rico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and religious studies from Stetson University, master’s degrees in divinity and ethics and society from Vanderbilt University, and a master’s degree in information sciences from the University of Tennessee.
Klem-Marí Cajigas
Katie Cook
A parent, author, and broadcast professional who co-hosts CMT’s “Hot 20 Countdown,” a weekly series featuring performances by and interviews with country music’s biggest stars. Katie is known for her engaging interviews with a Who’s Who of America’s top entertainers. Previously, she served as co-host of the “Nashville Star” reality TV show on NBC — and she played herself on ABC’s TV series “Nashville.” As a country music expert, she has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC. As a parent, Katie is passionate about childhood literacy and authored a young-readers trilogy.
Katie Cook
Alfred Degrafinreid
A parent and educator who serves as president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, a nonprofit organization that engages with community leaders across the Volunteer State. Previously, Alfred served as associate vice chancellor for local government relations and community partnerships at Vanderbilt University. Earlier in his career, Alfred worked as a top aide to government leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee State University, a law degree from Indiana University, and doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
Alfred Degrafinreid
Shameka Fentress
An early childhood educator in Metro Nashville (Tenn.) Public Schools. With more than two decades of experience, Shameka has served as a pre-kindergarten teacher, kindergarten teacher, and library media specialist. During her career, Shameka has mentored fellow early- career educators and led school-wide initiatives in curriculum planning, behavioral systems, and social-emotional learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Shameka Fentress
Linda Harrison
A parent and assistant director of the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library. In that role, she oversees citywide library programs focused on education and literacy services. During her more than 25-year career at the library, Linda has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as a regional branch manager, branch manager, and staff development and training officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Linda Harrison
Ashford Hughes
A parent and children’s advocate who serves as executive officer for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Metro Nashville (Tenn.) Public Schools. In that role, he works to strengthen school partnerships and oversee the strategy, design, and implementation of the school system’s choice process through a lens of equity and inclusion. Ashford is active in numerous community organization, including serving as co-chair of My Brother’s Keeper Nashville. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University.
Ashford Hughes
Julie Murphy
A parent and educator who serves as associate director of Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn. With more than four decades of experience in early childhood education, Julie is a music and art teacher who works with families and children from birth to age 5. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Julie Murphy
Samuel Murray
An educator who serves as a site director for Little Wonders Early Learning Center in Nashville, Tenn. In that role, he oversees an early childhood education program that provides high-quality learning experiences for the children of other professional educators. Samuel has nearly 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, educator coach, curriculum designer, and professional development leader. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and is pursuing his doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University.
Samuel Murray
Danielle Norton
An educator and professional development expert who mentors colleagues in areas such as early childhood literacy, classroom management, and family engagement. With nearly two decades of experience, Danielle has taught children and coached colleagues in public, private, and nonprofit educational settings. Earlier in her career, Danielle worked as an educator leader in Metro Nashville (Tenn.) Public Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Danielle Norton
Jill Obremskey, M.D.
A pediatrician and public-health advocate with more than 30 years of experience caring for children in clinics, hospitals, and communities. Previously, Jill held senior leadership roles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital, and the Tennessee Department of Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology/ biological sciences from Duke University, master’s degree in health care management from Vanderbilt University, master’s degree in public health from the University of Washington, and doctor of medicine from the University of North Carolina.
Jill Obremskey, M.D.
Marie Preptit
A parent who serves as program coordinator for Bringing Books to Life, the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library’s award-winning early literacy outreach program. In that role, she coordinates day-to-day programming, partner organization relations, data collection, and outcome reporting. With more than a decade of experience in early childhood education settings, Marie also conducts library story times, educator professional development activities, and parent workshops. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University.
Marie Preptit
James (Jai) Sanders
A parent and circulation supervisor for the Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library. In the latter role, he helps oversee day-to-day circulation services in the library’s Edmondson Pike Branch — one of the most heavily utilized and family-friendly library branches in the city. Prior to joining the library, Jai spent more than a decade working in film and music production. As an advocate for public education, Jai was among several notable Nashvillians featured in “The Promise,” a Peabody award-winning podcast focused on education inequities. He holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of the South, Sewanee.
James (Jai) Sanders
Nathalie Schorsten
A parent and healthcare professional who advises healthcare administrators and policymakers seeking to improve patient outcomes and close gaps in access to health care — especially in rural and underserved communities. Through that work, Nathalie understands the connection between early literacy and children’s health. Previously, Nathalie served as director of strategic partnerships for the Tennessee Center on Health Workforce Development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in strategic communication and leadership from Belmont University.
Nathalie Schorsten
Brittaney Scott
A parent and educator who serves as an early childhood development education manager for the Nashville (Tenn.) Metropolitan Action Commission. In that role, she oversees compliance and other aspects of the city’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. During her career, Brittaney has led curriculum development and implementation, supervised teaching staff, and conducted classroom observations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Walden University.
Brittaney Scott
Brittainy Taylor
A parent and digital marketing professional based in Nashville, Tenn. Through social media platforms — including more than 270,000 followers on Instagram — Brittainy seeks to empower women and mothers through creative storytelling about her experiences in motherhood and personal health. Brittany co-hosts the parenting podcast “Truth Moms” and she was a cast member of “Very Cavallari,” the E! reality TV series that aired for three seasons. Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree from Widener University.
Brittainy Taylor
Vicki Yates
An Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist who served as the news anchor of WTVF-TV, Nashville’s CBS affiliate. During her more than 30-year career at WTVF, Vicki led a popular education-news series known as “School Patrol,” covering achievements and challenges in K-12 schools. She also co-hosted Nashville’s annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Earlier in her career, Vicki worked in newsrooms in major media markets including Detroit and Pittsburgh. She holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Michigan State University.
Vicki Yates
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