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READ
preschool program
Home > Educators > READ Preschool Program
The Early Literacy Resource Center for Southern Arizona

READ GroupFull Continuum of Support Services

MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS’ READ (Read Early and Daily) Preschool Program provides early literacy support for early childhood educators through a continuum of services, including new books for centers and families, professional development opportunities, and on-site consulting. The program is supported by funding from First Things First (FTF) and provided in partnership with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Becoming a Read Participant

Childcare centers and preschools must first be qualified as FTF Quality First Centers to participate in the READ Program.

Quality First Sites
If you already are enrolled in Quality First and would like to participate in READ, please fill out this form, and MWFB will contact you with further details.

Non Quality First Centers
If you are not a Quality First Center and would like to benefit from the READ Preschool Program, please apply for Quality First approval then sign up with MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS.

Questions? Email info@makewayforbooks.org or call (520) 721-2334.

 

      

READ Services

Lending Library Set-Up and Classroom Books

  
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Literacy and Play

MWFB provides and maintains a library of high-quality, multicultural, cloth, board, and hardcover books at a rate of three to five books per child. Teachers receive information and strategies for using the collection as a lending library.

  

About First Things First

First Things First

First Things First was created in 2006, when Arizona voters decided to set aside 80 cents from each pack of cigarettes sold to fund the expansion of education and health programs for children 5 years old and younger. Decisions about how to best use the funds are made on a per‐region basis by 31 councils made up of local leaders. The statewide board, which has final approval of the councils’ recommendations, is responsible for ensuring that the funds are used on programs proven to improve outcomes for children.
Reading Challenges

Wow! 80 classrooms recently participated in Fall Into Books. Teachers read 2,150 books to children in just one week. Next up is Love of Reading Week, complete with prizes for participants.

Learn More>>

Preschool Newsletter
Participating READ Sites
Apply for READ: Quality First Site
Apply for READ: Non-Quality First Site
Research
Helpful Links
Featured Resource

MWFB believes peace starts with us. That’s why the popular “Promoting Peace Through Picture Books” curriculum focuses on how to teach preschoolers concepts of peace — such as friendship, teamwork, and generosity — all within the context of supporting reading-readiness skills.
Learn more >>
 

Professional Development Opportunities

  

Literacy and Play

Four professional development workshops are held multiple times throughout the year.

More on Workshops >>

A Healthy Child Is Read to Every Day

  • The importance of reading aloud daily
  • Research on early brain development
  • Choosing books to read aloud
  • Incorporating daily storytime
  • Involving parents
  • Setting up a lending library

Reading Readiness Through Storytime and Play

  • Print awareness
  • Book handling
  • Phonological awareness
  • Letter knowledge
  • Vocabulary development
  • Comprehension

Promoting Peace Through Picture Books

  • Building a peaceful classroom community
  • Using books to foster peaceful behaviors in children
  • Strategies for teaching self-control, positive conflict resolution, and respect for others

A Curious World: Exploring and Discovering Through Books
Coming Soon. Check back in 2012!

  • Incorporating factual books in fun and meaningful ways
  • Using books to celebrate diversity
  • Strategies for linking books to different learning areas
  • Using books to encourage a natural sense of wonder
  
 

Early Literacy Consultation

  
Literacy and Play

Working closely with FTF Quality First coaches, MWFB early literacy consultants provide advice on strengths and areas in need of improvement in each site’s early literacy program.

  
 

Storytime Volunteers

  
Literacy and Play

Highly committed and enthusiastic Storytime volunteers read weekly at each site to the preschool-aged children.

 
 

Family Literacy Events

  
Literacy and Play

These events, tailored to the needs of individual preschools, provide tips to parents for reading with their children, as well as free books, activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

 
First Things First
The READ Preschool program is funded in large part by First Things First. First Things First, approved by Arizona voters, works to ensure that our youngest children have access to quality early childhood experiences so they will start school healthy and ready to succeed.

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Contact MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS
MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS
3955 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Suite 114
Tucson, AZ 85712

Phone: (520) 721-2334
Email: info@makewayforbooks.org