What is Raising a Reader?

Raising A Reader is an evidence-based early literacy and parent engagement program that can improve the reading readiness skills of children birth to age five. Participating Raising A Reader classrooms rotate bright red bags filled with award winning books into children’s homes on a weekly basis. Local teachers and parents attend workshops in interactive “read aloud” techniques that stimulate early brain development. This helps parents and caregivers engage with their children by sharing a book. Through the program, families are also connected to the local public library. At the culmination of the program, children receive a blue library bag to keep and continue the practice of book sharing.

Where can I find a RAR program in Chatham County?

For fiscal year 2018-2019, the following sites in Chatham County will be participating:

Sonflower Seeds Christian Preschool & Learning Center – Siler City
Pasitos Felices/Happy Steps – Pittsboro
Virginia Cross Elementary School Pre-K Classrooms – Siler City
Chatham County Early Head Start and Head Start Programs – Siler City

Child care facilities interested in learning about future participation in Raising A Reader, please contact our Family Literacy Coordinator at read@chathamkids.org or 919-542-7449 ext. 127.