Grant funds support “Read for Success” summer program

April 3, 2018

SOLANO COUNTY – First 5 Solano, in collaboration with the Solano County Office of Education, has received a $10,000 matching grant from Reading is Fundamental (RIF) to implement the Read for Success summer reading program in Solano County Pre-Kindergarten Academies, giving children the life-changing power of literacy.  The Read for Success program will be implemented throughout Solano County, as First 5 Solano offers Pre-K academies in all of Solano County's seven cities, targeting children who have never had a prior pre-school experience or who are considered high-risk.

"All children deserve the opportunity to access books, learn how to read and obtain the fundamental building blocks needed to achieve their highest potential," says Erin Hannigan, First 5 Solano Commission Chairperson and District One Supervisor.  “This evidence-based program will do just that, giving at-risk children the tools necessary to stay proficient – because as we know, as children progress through school, it becomes more and more difficult to catch up once they’ve fallen behind.”

According to Reading is Fundamental, research shows that if the reading achievement gap is not addresses, children can fall behind as much as three years by the end of fifth grade.  Designed to motivate children to read, the Read for Success summer reading program will provide six high quality books for each child to choose, own and read.  Participants will also receive a summer reading journal and have access to more than 20 science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) themed books in their classrooms.

“The Solano County Office of Education is proud to partner with First 5 Solano and RIF to enrich the learning experiences of young children who will participate in the Pre-K Academies this summer,” says Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintended of Schools.  Putting books into the hands of children and involving them in classroom activities centered on STEAM based curricula will support the kindergarten readiness strategies being implemented in the Pre-K Academies and help instill a love for reading and lifelong learning."

For more information on the First 5 Solano Pre-K Academies visit www.First5Solano.com, email [email protected] or call (707) 784-1332.