As part of its ongoing involvement with and support of the Early Reading First grant programs of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Care Solutions assisted in producing a report on the lessons learned during the implementation of the READERS grant. (READERS stands for Reinforce, Educate and Develop Early Readers Successfully.) The READERS Early Reading First grant, through 19 classrooms in six centers of excellence, served approximately 325 children in DeKalb County, GA. It focused on classroom strategies and professional development that are grounded in Scientifically Based Reading Research (SBRR) and family literacy.
The report, presented in the format of case studies and practical applications, shares many examples and experiences that are linked to working with teachers, students, and families. Included are
CASE STUDIES: BEST PRACTICES
• Intensive Professional Development Using Multiple Strategies
• Effective ESL (English as a Second Language) Practices
• Innovative Technology Approaches
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: TOOL BOXES
• Community Resource Literacy Labs
• Rhyme Awareness Project (RAP)
• Month of the Young Child
• Theme Box
The mission of the federal Early Reading First program is to ensure that all children enter kindergarten with the necessary language, cognitive and early reading skills for continued success in school. In metro Atlanta, four Early Reading First (ERF) grants are the nexus for a series of efforts serving more than 1,000 preschool children of low-income families. The grants, which were awarded to Smart Start, the Early Childhood Division of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, are DREAM (years 2005–2008), READERS (years 2006–2010), LIGHT (years 2008–2011) and APPLE (years 2009–2012).
Click here to see a copy of the report, Documenting our Success: READERS, Early Reading First Grant , 2006–10, Early Reading First, Smart Start, The Early Childhood Division of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
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