Opportunities to participate in Literacy Week

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. -- Part of a statewide campaign to promote the importance of early literacy, the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas (ELC) celebrates “Literacy Week” in Pinellas the week of January 27-31. Community leaders, philanthropists, and volunteers are invited to read with the County’s youngest learners at more than 300 preschools throughout the County. As part of this celebration, the ELC will be donating hundreds of books to early learning providers.

“Nowadays, children are expected to start Kindergarten with basic reading skills. Without fostering this skill during their earliest formative years, we risk our community’s children struggling as they enter the school system,” says Rosa Rivera, Director of Community Engagement. “We hope that the enthusiasm for books and reading shown by our guest readers positively influences the children we support.”

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, first responders, more. For information, contact Camille Eckrem, Quality Programs Supervisor, at CEckrem@ELCPinellas.org or 727.400.4457.

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.org.

Raising Readers explains that the development of “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).”

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.