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Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program 

Description

Page Ahead collaborates with families, schools, and volunteers across Washington State to inspire a love of reading in at-risk children. Approximately 35,000 children in need receive services each year to help improve their reading skills and reach their full potential. Research has shown that being read to as a child and having books in the home are the two most important predictors of future academic success. Page Ahead provides new books for children to choose and cherish, helping them on the road to a successful future.

Mission Statement
Guided by the fact that literacy is essential to lifelong success, Page Ahead provides new books and develops reading activities that empower at-risk children.
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Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program
1130 NW 85th St 
Seattle 
WA
98117-3318 
(206) 461-0123 

Susan Dibble 
Executive Director 

Programs

Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program Programs

Books for Kids
This program provides new books to children (three books per child per year) to read, share and cherish. Books are distributed through motivational events produced at each partner site to excite children about reading. This year, over 400 reading events at partner sites will be held as part of Page Ahead's books for kids program.

Family Involvement
Page Ahead offers workshops and resources for low-income parents to help them support their children's reading efforts.

Summer Reading
Narrowing the achievement gap by addressing summer slide is the goal of the summer reading program.  Students in high poverty schools receive 12 new books of their choosing to take home to read over the summer.  Keeping kids reading during out of school time is critical to maintain skill and increase reading fluency.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Page Ahead recently completed a two-year pilot study regarding summer reading.  As a result, in 2012 we launched a new program, Book Up Summer, aimed at preventing the 'summer slide' that studies suggest accounts for up to 2/3 of the achievement gap experienced by low-income students.  This summer (2013) will be year two of a three year commitment to 2,200 K-2 students in nine South Seattle schools who will choose and take home 12 new books to read over the summer.   The program is based on a 2010 Dept of Education study that showed students made statistically significant gains in reading skill when provided easy access to books of their choosing to read over the summer break.

Current Needs
Page Ahead needs new children's books (particularly picture books) as well as funds to purchase books for Book Up Summer.

Evaluation


Page Ahead is focused on getting children excited about reading in hopes that they spend more time reading and become stronger readers. Children with literacy problems typically come from low-income families, have no books at home, and have caregivers who are not aware of the importance of reading to their children. Studies have shown that books at home and reading aloud to children are two of the most important factors that help children develop language and reading skills.

Use of Best Practices
Based on research, best practices and regular surveys of its partner sites, Page Ahead helps parents become active participants in their child's literacy development. Their workshops are taught by qualified staff and engage the parents in hands-on activities. This prepares the parents to take the activities home to their children.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
Whenever possible, Page Ahead presents material in the language of the participating audience, rather than presenting in English with translation. PA plans to increase the number of workshops offered in Spanish, and is reaching out to Latino communities across the state to support that effort.

Collaboration
Page Ahead has been highly effective at building relationships with corporations and community organizations to hold book drives and adopt program sites.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
10/1/2008 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/21/2006 $15,500.00support general operating expenses.
12/18/2003 $12,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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