PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — As part of a statewide campaign to promote the importance of early literacy, the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas (ELC) is organizing “Literacy Week.” The week of January 27-31, community leaders, philanthropists, and volunteers will be reading with the County’s littlest learners at more than 300 preschools throughout the County. And the ELC will be donating hundreds of books to early learning providers.
If interested in sponsoring: Help the ELC purchase books for childcare providers and support efforts to enhance early education. For information, contact Rosa Rivera, Director of Community Engagement, at 727.400.4430 or RRivera@ELCPinellas.net.
If interested in reading: ELC hosts guest readers at various sites throughout the week, with each visit approximately 30 minutes. Readers include local philanthropists, business and nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and first responders. For information, contact Camille Eckrem, Quality Programs Supervisor, at CEckrem@ELCPinellas.net or 727.400.4457.
“Developing early literacy skills makes it easier for children to learn to read. Children who enter school with these skills have an advantage that carries with them throughout their school years. However, more than 1 in 3 American children enter Kindergarten without the skills they need to learn to read (American Academy of Pediatrics). Reading is an essential skill for success in school and later in life,” explains RaisingReaders.org.
Designated by the Florida Department of Education and the Just Read, Florida! office, Celebrate Literacy Week (CLW) is a statewide event held each year to promote the importance of literacy. CLW offers some Tips for Parents HERE.
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is a nonprofit agency focused on high-quality early care and education – working with families and childcare providers to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed – in school and in life. Contribute directly to the ELC here: http://elcpinellas.net/giving/