Every Child Deserves to Fall in Love with Reading
Some kids fall in love with books early. They're the ones who beg for one more chapter, who ask questions about characters like they're old friends, who carry a favorite story around until the cover falls off.
That kind of relationship with reading doesn't happen by accident. It's built — one storytime, one read-aloud, one curious question at a time. And in Rockford, YWCA Northwestern Illinois is building it every day.
As a funded partner of United Way of Rock River Valley, YWCA Northwestern Illinois is expanding its early literacy programming through UWRRV's United for Literacy initiative — bringing free, research-based tools directly to the children and caregivers who need them most.
Going Where Families Are
Every month, YWCA staff visit childcare centers and home providers across the community, delivering free books and leading interactive read-aloud sessions. These aren't passive story hours. They're intentional, engaging experiences designed to build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and establish the foundation children need for a lifetime of learning.
But the visits do something else, too. They build trust. Over time, YWCA staff develop meaningful relationships with providers — creating space to share resources, offer guidance, and connect families to YWCA's Child Care Resource and Referral program.
"We see firsthand the remarkable growth in children's curiosity. Their insightful questions and heightened engagement during read-alouds showcase the tremendous impact our programs have on early literacy development." – Stephanie Koclanis, Provider Services Supervisor, YWCA Northwestern Illinois
Raising the Bar for Childcare Providers
This year, YWCA Northwestern Illinois is launching a Child Care Provider Certification Program — a new initiative that recognizes providers who go above and beyond to weave literacy into daily life.
To earn certification, providers commit to reading aloud regularly, sharing resources with families, and actively participating in YWCA's programming. It's a meaningful credential that reflects something even more meaningful: a provider who believes every child in their care deserves a rich, language-filled environment.
Literacy Beyond the Classroom
YWCA's reach extends well beyond childcare settings. Families can also access a cozy reading nook at the YWCA intake room, where children can browse books and choose one to take home. An outdoor community library at the North Main location offers another touchpoint for casual, joyful book sharing.
Community partnerships deepen the work further. Through collaboration with Rockford Public Library, YWCA staff and providers receive ongoing training in cutting-edge literacy practices — ensuring children ages 0–5 and beyond have consistent, quality support no matter where they encounter it. YWCA also promotes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to help families grow their home libraries, and partners with the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum to host engaging read-aloud events.
"Integrating pre-literacy skills into a child's learning journey is a powerful and rewarding process. It helps build strong reading foundations." – Lisa Bock, Director of Child Care Resource and Referral, YWCA Northwestern Illinois
One Story at a Time
The research is clear: early literacy shapes everything that comes after — academic success, confidence, opportunity. When a child hears a story read with care, asks a question about a word they don't know, or chooses a book to bring home, something is taking root.
UWRRV's investment in YWCA Northwestern Illinois is an investment in that moment — multiplied across hundreds of children, dozens of providers, and countless stories told and retold across Rock River Valley.
Learn more about UWRRV's United for Literacy initiative at unitedwayrrv.org/united-for-literacy.