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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Nickels Announces Plan to Improve Children’s Literacy
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3/11/2003 11:25:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Nickels Announces Plan
to Improve
Children’s Literacy
$3 Million Grant to Help Accomplish Goals of
Mayor’s "Do More for
Kids" Strategy
Seattle — Mayor Greg Nickels announced today
the city has received a three-year, $3 million grant to implement Early Reading
First, a program that improves literacy among children ages 3-5.
"Back in September, I promised to do more for kids by
improving school readiness and focusing on results," Nickels said.
"Many of Seattle’s children are entering kindergarten with serious
deficiencies in pre-reading and pre-number skills, with minority and low-income
kids most affected. The goal of this program is to ensure children enter
kindergarten with a better foundation for academic success."
Seattle is one of 29 cities nationwide to implement Early
Reading First. Administered by the city’s Human Services Department, the
program will be piloted in five child care centers throughout Seattle that serve
mostly low-income children - Jose Marti Child Development Center, Precious Steps
Child Care Center, Sea Mar Child Development Center, Toddler Tech Child Care
Center and Zion Preparatory Academy.
Based on school readiness guidelines and researched "best
practices" for literacy programs, Early Reading First will provide:
- Materials and support
for
teachers and children, including books, supplies, improved classroom
environments and better literacy curricula;
- Training and professional development
for child care teachers, including one-on-one coaching in the classroom;
- Easier transitions to kindergarten
through building relationships between parents, Seattle Public Schools, and
early childhood teachers and;
- Increased family involvement
in literacy through "Family Literacy Nights" at Seattle public
libraries.
A team from the University of Washington and Public Health –
Seattle and King County will evaluate the program, which will be launched in the
fall.
"We’re going to track programs such as
this – we’re insisting on results to ensure we’re getting a good return on
our investments and making sure ALL our children have a chance to succeed,"
said Nickels.
- 30 -
Mayor's
Office
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