The AprendoVan (Learning Van) is a mobile literacy unit built by Union Body Company and the Freightliner Corporation. It’s 32’ 9" long, 11’ 10" high and 8’ wide. It has a Cummins diesel engine with an Allison Automatic transmission. Its all aluminum body makes it lightweight so that a special (Class B) license is not required. It is very easy to drive and park.

The AprendoVan is based on the West Side of Fresno County and serves community sites such as Head Start, Home Base Head Start, Migrant Head Start, Day Care facilities in Mendota, Tranquillity, San Joaquin, Five Points and Cantua Creek. The staff of the AprendoVan is bilingual in English and in Spanish. The goal is to assist the parents and caregivers in preparing their children age 0 (before birth) up to age 5 for school entry and success. Workshops for families promoting early literacy, learning and parenting skills are offered.

The interior of the unit is lined with shelves to house the collection of books to be given away to eligible parents. A selection of age appropriate toys is available for checkout to parents and caregivers with a Fresno County Library Card. Free informational pamphlets and flyers from local public and private agencies, videos and other materials are available in both English and Spanish.

Centers and caregivers that look after groups of children and have limited supplies of their own can check out pre-packaged toy boxes. The toys have been separated into two age groups: age 0 up to 18 months and from 18 months up to age 5. The shelves also contain the AprendoVan permanent story time collection with bilingual books and support material that will be used by staff and checked out by centers. Programming offered to centers includes story time, puppet shows, music, active play, arts & crafts, science activities and more.

It has at the rear of the unit a curtained stage area for puppet shows. A TV/VCR combination is wall mounted for special presentations, educational videos and an occasional cartoon for the children and parents. A computer work station with two laptop computers, educational software and two color printers for use by parents and children. The AprendoVan is also equipped with a wheelchair/standee lift that can be remotely operated.

Jim Teague
S.L.A.: LLABS
AprendoVan (LearningVan)
521 W. Dakota
Fresno Ca 93705
559-224-1534