Early Learning & Reading Network

EARLY LEARNING &
READING NETWORK

The Early Learning & Reading Network is dedicated to ensuring 100 percent enrollment in TPS preschools, meeting all six developmental skills entering kindergarten, and reading proficiently by the end of third grade.

The Day You Begin

Tacoma Reads

Books are meant to be enjoyed and read aloud! Gather with the whole family and hear Senator T’wina Nobles read The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson, a selected title from the Tacoma Public Library’s Tacoma Reads program.

From Penguin Random House, National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

WHAT WE DO

Increase Access to Early Supports

Help build pathways for early learning success resulting in expanding Play to Learn, a free program by Greentrike for adults and their children to play together, into Tacoma's Eastside and South End communities.

Support Early Development

Host bi-annual training opportunities for parents, caregivers, childcare providers, and teachers to support children in key competencies of the WaKids and school readiness. Building Connections has provided nearly 1,500 professional development hours since 2015.

Promote Healthy Reading Habits

Connect students to books from Book to Home delivery during summer and spring breaks and provide free books to neighborhood barbers who predominantly serve boys of color through the Books to Barbershops initiative

NETWORKSTRATEGIES

Book to Home

An initiative to bring access to quality books and promote reading opportunities to students who wouldn't otherwise have them anytime, anyplace.

Play to Learn

In partnership with Greentrike to deliver classes focused on education for caregivers of children birth to six years.

Book to Barbershop

An initiative in partnership with neighborhood barbers to provide free books to the boys of color who sit and visit in their chairs every month.

Read Across America

Support awareness of Read Across America Day by sharing promotional material with students and families.

Building Connections

A professional development opportunity for educators encouraging joint development and relationship building.

Campaign for Grade Level Reading

Support ongoing programming to close gaps and enhance outcomes for all young learners.