The target for FY 16 was to expand the Raise a Reader program to include Early Head Start/Head Start and Family Support Centers. After many months of outreach/attempts at engagement we were finally able to engage Head Start in initiating Learning Parties. Shore Up, the vendor for Early Head Start/Head Start and Family Support Center was reluctant to engage in Raising a Reader program. Recent expansion of Pre-k in the public school setting put a strain on the relationship with the Board of Education. The vendor perceived that the BOE "stealing their kids". After lengthy conversations and negotiations we were finally able to implement Learning Parties in the Family Support Center. Unfortunately, Raise A Reader could never be implemented.

Board of Education, Family Support Center, Judy Center, Head Start

Fostering brain development, healthy relationships and a love of reading and literacy skill development during a child's early years (birth to 8) is critical to school success.

Expand Raise a Reader program to include all pre-k programs ( FY 15) and Head Start/Family Support Center (FY 16)