|
YMCA READS!
A literacy/mentoring initiative targeting kindergarten through third grade.
Selected as an Outstanding Innovative Project by the Sarasota County Schools Partners in Education Program, The YMCA READS! Program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Florida State Alliance of YMCA’s, the Department of Education and local County School Districts.
YMCA READS! seeks to close the gap in student's reading performance and the State of Florida's reading performance expectations. YMCA READS! will meed the educational and developmental needs of students by providing structured and supervised services. The primary focus will be on improving students' reading skills. Additional services will be provided to develop the whole child, including meeting each child's need for relationship building and greater self-esteem. Volunteer mentors will deliver the program services under the supervision of the program coordinator.
Click here to download a YMCA READS! Program Brochure
READS! Program Overview
The READS! Program is driven by volunteers trained in a research-based curriculum who tutor elementary school students in reading. Referred by their participating schools, children attend the after school program two days a week at their school improving reading performance. Students are evaluated regularly to ensure that progress is made toward Florida’s reading performance expectations.
- Trained volunteers work 2:1 or in small groups with the children.
- A certified educator at each site works along with volunteers providing professional expertise and support.
- Ongoing training is provided.
- Free of charge to families. YMCA membership is not required.
The South County Family YMCA provides the READS! Program at two llocations:
- Garden Elementary in Venice
- Myakka River Elementary in the
Englewood/PortCharlotte Area
Donations
There are many ways to give!
Time: Volunteering your time is the most precious gift you can give to a child.
Money: Funding for this program is dependent on community donations and grants.
Materials: School supplies and books are always needed.
Supply Wish List:
- Construction paper
- Plastic 3-prong/2 pocket folders
- Dry erase markers
- Paper
- File Folders
- Children's Books
- Treasures/Awards
- Office Supplies (tape, staples, paperclips, etc.)
- Healthy Snacks
To make a donation or volunteer, please contact Linda Ware (Englewood READS! Program Coordinator at 941-475-1234 or Shartrina White (Venice READS! Program Coordinator at 941-375-9109
