ReadingPals

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Mission

ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative led by The Children’s Movement of Florida and locally administered by The Citrus County Education Foundation. The program provides volunteer mentors for students in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) through 3rd grade who may need extra support.

Using a one-on-one or small group model, ReadingPals creates meaningful experiences for volunteers to build relationships, boost student confidence, and nurture a love of reading—all while reinforcing vital early literacy skills.

The CCEF is honored to participate in such a large initiative with programs in 27 counties with virtual opportunities in more than 200 schools and childcare centers around the state. Reaching more than 3,000 students annually through mentorship.

This is all made possible thanks to the Barnett family's passion for promoting literacy and early-childhood development in Florida.

Infographic showing 1,497 volunteer hours spent and 117 students reached during the 2024-2025 school year.

Pillars

  1. EARLY LITERACY: To improve students’ vocabulary and understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.
  2. MENTORSHIP: To strengthen confidence, self-awareness, and empathy through a consistent relationship between mentors and students.
  3. LOVE OF READING: To reinforce a love of reading with high-quality books and engaging activities.
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Minimum Requirements
  • 1 hour per week (16 to 25 hours for a single volunteer during fall and/or spring)
  • New Volunteer Training
  • Level 2 Background Screening provided by the Citrus County School District

Training and Necessary paperwork will be provided by CCEF

Did you miss the statewide 2025 ReadingPals Conference & Celebration?

You can still watch Jason Yeatman's keynote presentation. You can access the recording of the conference and celebration here.

ReadingPals Refresher Workshop and Upcoming Training Sessions

Upcoming New ReadingPal Training Sessions:

  • June 16th @ 1:00 PM
  • July 22nd @ 1:00 PM
  • August 18th @ 1:00 PM
  • September 22nd @ 1:00 PM
  • October 14th @ 1:00 PM
  • November 17th @ 1:00 PM
  • December 10th @ 1:00 PM
  • January 20th @ 1:00 PM
  • February 16th @ 1:00 PM
  • March 16th @ 1:00 PM
  • April 13th @ 1:00 PM

    Register for an upcoming training here.

    This workshop 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.

    Newsletter Archive

    December 2025

    Mid-year Brunch!

    Read Newsletter →

    November 2025

    Showing graditude for all the ReadingPals!

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    October 2025

    Remembering our beloved ReadingPals

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    September 2025

    Back to School Brunch Updates

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    August 2025

    New School Year Information!

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    July 2025

    Returning volunteers, fingerprinting updates, statewide impact, and upcoming events.

    Read Newsletter →

    June 2025

    End-of-year celebration, volunteer recognition, and program updates.

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    May 2025

    Brunch information, volunteer surveys, and summer opportunities.

    Read Newsletter →

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