If you really want to make a difference in the literacy of your community, listen to the prolific research concerning early intervention. The ability to read should not end up, as in other cultures, as a privilege of the higher socio-economic classes.

• Use your elementary’s Kindergarten pre-enrollment day to reach families with early literacy support.
• Invite parents and younger siblings of your students to Family Literacy nights or other events that inform parents of simple tips to get their children ready to read.
• Partner with your community’s public library to support summer reading programs, pre-school, and day-care literacy programs, such as Every Child Ready to Read.
• Consider using your MC as a story time location for parents with young children. Use the opportunity to model reading tips.
• Partner with groups in your community to circulate supportive reading tips in brochures in community locations. Include them in your school’s packet for new students. NCLB, DOE and ALA have brochures and booklets available.
• Encourage volunteer or service organizations in the middle or high school to partner with community literacy programs.
• Support your school’s (PTA) Parent Resource Center with materials to promote early intervention.
• Consider a summer MC book mobile to aid neighborhood children with access to good books.