Staff at the YWCA Northwestern Illinois believe every child should have the chance to fall in love with reading. Thanks to United Way's United for Literacy initiative, they are ramping up their efforts to engage more children, families, and childcare providers through dynamic, research-based literacy programs.
Igniting a Love of Reading in Every Child
Their dedicated team visits childcare centers and home providers monthly, delivering free books and leading interactive read-aloud sessions that captivate young minds. These visits do more than ignite imagination—they boost vocabulary, enhance comprehension, and establish the groundwork for lifelong learning. Above all, they foster strong relationships with providers, creating a supportive environment for sharing valuable insights about their Child Care Resource & Referral program.
Provider Services Supervisor Stephanie Koclanis said: “We consistently hear from our staff that the children’s growing curiosity in their questions, their references to past books read, and their increased engagement during read-alouds clearly demonstrate the positive impact these experiences have on building early literacy skills.”
Child Care Provider Certification Elevates Early Literacy
This year, we're thrilled to launch a Child Care Provider Certification Program. This initiative shines a spotlight on providers dedicated to weaving daily reading into their curriculum, sharing resources with families, and actively participating in our engaging read-aloud sessions. By year's end, those who participate will earn certification, underscoring their commitment to fostering early literacy.
Community Literacy Events Inspire Families to Read Together
We're also ramping up community engagement with initiatives like:
• Two large-scale literacy events to inspire family reading and advocacy.
• A cozy reading nook in our intake room, where children can explore books and choose one to take home.
• An outdoor community library at our North Main location for book sharing.
• Promoting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to help families grow their home libraries.
• Collaborating with the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum to host engaging read-aloud events.
Partnerships Expand Access to Books and Resource
In partnership with the Rockford Public Library, our staff and childcare providers are continually trained in implementing cutting-edge, research-based literacy practices. Armed with the right tools and strategies, we ensure children aged 0–5—and beyond—receive the support they need to flourish.
Director of Child Care Resource and Referral Lisa Bock said: "Integrating pre-literacy skills into a child's learning journey is a powerful and rewarding process, helping to build strong reading foundations."
Building a Literacy-Rich Community One Story at a Time
With this grant, we're deepening our commitment to build a literacy-rich community. Together, we are creating a brighter future—one story at a time.