Early Reading First gets $3 million grant

SEATTLE—The city received a three-year, $3-million grant to implement Early Reading First, a program that improves literacy among children aged three to five, Mayor Greg Nickels announced last week.

Seattle is one of 29 cities nationwide to implement Early Reading First. Administered by the city’s Human Services Department, the program will be piloted this fall in five child care centers that serve mostly low-income children. These are Jose Marti Child Development Center, Precious Steps Child Care Center, Sea Mar Child Development Center, Toddler Tech Child Care Center and Zion Preparatory Academy.

Based on school readiness guidelines and researched “best practices” for literacy programs, Early Reading First will provide:

• Materials and support for teachers and children, including books, supplies, improved classroom environments and better literacy curricula;

• Training and professional development for child care teachers, including one-on-one coaching in the classroom;

• Easier transitions to kindergarten through building relationships between parents, Seattle Public Schools and early childhood teachers; and,

• Increased family involvement in literacy through “Family Literacy Nights” at Seattle public libraries.

A team from the University of Washington and Public Health—Seattle and King County will evaluate the program.

“Back in September, I promised to do more for kids by improving school readiness and focusing on results,” Nickels said.

“Many of Seattle’s children are entering kindergarten with serious deficiencies in pre-reading and pre-number skills, with minority and low-income kids most affected. The goal of this program is to ensure children enter kindergarten with a better foundation for academic success,” he added.

Office of the Mayor release, March 11

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