Wee Read

Wee Read was initiated in 2000 in response to the readiness needs of children entering kindergarten in school neighborhoods with large concentrations of poverty. The trainers for the Wee Read project are highly qualified professional staff each holding a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from accredited universities and maintain state liscensing in these areas.

Wee Read Early Literacy Project

Focus One

Early Childhood Staff Professional Development to Increase the Amount of Emergent Literacy Activities in Participating Childcare Centers. Training topics include the following pre-reading skills:

• Oral Language
• General Knowledge
• Print Awareness
• Alphabet Knowledge
• Phonological Awareness
• Prewriting

Focus Two

Improved School Readiness of Participating Children
Early identification of children's literacy level is determined to guide learning

Focus Three

Improved Understanding About Literacy in the Home Through Communication with Parents from Participating Childcare Centers

Parent conferences are conducted by Wee Read teachers to inform parents of the readiness level of their child following evaluation screenings. Monthly family nights are held to promote literacy activities. Parent newsletters are provided monthly and offer ways to develop necessary readiness skills in the family setting.

According to research, infants and toddlers who have numerous high quaity literacy experiences are more likely to acquire a strong reading readiness foundation. The focus of this program is to improve adult and infant-toddler interactions through training on how to increase oral communication, providing a language rich enviroment that stimulates growth and increses early literacy experiences.