The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
NEVER TOO YOUNG
District starts early literacy program
Educators say it is never too soon to start reading to children.
With that idea in mind, Painesville Schools started an early literacy initiative for infants called Cradle to Kindergarten.
Babies born at Lake Health hospitals, whose families reside in Painesville, are eligible to participate, said Painesville Schools Family Resource Center Site Coordinator Amber Torres.
“Cradle to Kindergarten provides at-risk families with free books, materials, and support to empower and engage parents in their child’s literacy development,” Torres said. “It may seem early, but studies show that the first five years of children’s lives are crucial to their overall development. The experiences that children have during their formative years set the stage for later learning. In order to ensure that our district’s children are best prepared to succeed in school, we are inviting Painesville City parents to enroll their newborn babies in the Cradle to Kindergarten Program.”
Upon enrollment, families will receive a free welcome kit and will be contacted by a Painesville School District staff member or a volunteer who has been trained on the importance of early language development, she said.
Volunteers in the program will reach out to the participating
families to schedule quarterly visits. Staff and volunteers can meet families at their homes, anywhere in the community or at the Family Resource Center.
“As long as the baby resides in Painesville City, these visits will occur approximately every three months until the child enters kindergarten at Elm Street, Chestnut, or Maple elementary schools,” Torres said.
“The purpose of the program’s
home visits is to supply at risk families with new books to build their home libraries as well as to share tips, skills and activities that they can easily implement with their child according to his or her interests and age. Our hope is to increase kindergarten readiness and build positive, long-lasting relationships with school families before their children even step foot in one of our buildings.”
Courtney Noble and her 9-month-old daughter Kari Noble is the first family to enroll in the program.
Courtney says she enjoys story time with Kari and
looks forward to introducing the new books to her.
“Books and materials are offered in both English and Spanish thanks to a generous donation from the Lake County United Way, specifically the efforts of Mr. Don Joss, former director of Community Impact at the United Way,” Torres said.
Painesville Schools also partnered with Lake Health, Pam Kennedy, Early Literacy Consultant of the State Support Team Region 4 and the Lake County General Health District to make this program available to parents of newborns who live in Painesville.
Torres said they have many books to share and encourages families planning to deliver their baby at Lake Health to inquire about the Cradle to Kindergarten application for enrollment upon the baby’s delivery.
“We are currently in need of approximately 20 volunteers and we will provide training and ongoing support for all volunteers,” she said.