The work begins

Participants in our third Early Reading First program got down to work on January 23 at a full-day orientation designed to give them an overview of the ERF program. Over the next three years, these educators will strengthen the early literacy and language skills of their children with a research-based curriculum, credit-bearing courses and individualized mentoring support.

In addition to presentations from R2LP staff and facilitators, educators and administrators from the five early-care centers heard from participants of earlier ERF programs and a kindergarten teacher. One former participant conceded she was initially resistant to the program, but soon became a fan when she saw the growth that both she and her students were making. In February, the ERF educators will be offered HeadsUp! Reading, a course in early literacy development, and classes in the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards, which will serve as the foundation of their work.