ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings. ReadingPals offers volunteers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young children in Florida, while helping them improve their early literacy skills. ReadingPals was designed by The Children's Movement of Florida and is currently administered in Citrus County through The Citrus County Education Foundation.
We offer programs in 27 counties via 17 local United Ways and other community partners, with virtual opportunities in more than 200 schools and childcare centers around the state. We provide more than 3,000 students every year with a mentor. This is all made possible thanks to the Barnett family's passion for promoting literacy and early-childhood development in Florida.
Did you miss the statewide 2024 Readingpals Conference & Celebration?
You can still watch Emily Hanford's keynote presentation. Emily Hanford Keynote Presentation
Click the link and scroll down to the video archive and click on the red and white play button!
Training and Necessary paperwork will be provided by CCEF
Sign up for the refresher training we are offering, lead by Karen Lisa (Literacy Specialist), that will provide additional guidance on comprehension, phonemic awareness (word play), rhyming, working with letters and sounds and how to handle difficult behaviors. This workshop is great for new ReadingPals who would like some additional techniques and for existing ReadingPals who want to brush up on their skills/knowledge or learn something new.
There will also be the option for a sharing component at this event if you have a specific lesson, activity or craft that has worked well that you are willing to share with the group.
September 10 @ 10am
October 8 @ 10am
October 22 @ 2pm
November 5 @ 10 am
January 21 @ 2pm
February 4 @ 10am
Register for a new ReadingPal training: