ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) to 3rd grade who may need extra help. In Miami-Dade County, ReadingPals offers volunteers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with preschool children.  ReadingPals volunteers help children improve their social-emotional development and early literacy skills through interactions with children 3 – 5 years old.

WHY IS READINGPALS IMPORTANT?

45% of children in Florida are not ready for Kindergarten and 43% of Florida students cannot read at a minimally proficient level by the end of third grade. Additionally, studies show that children with mentors are more confident and have fewer behavioral problems. Early intervention and individualized attention give students the best likelihood of success.

READINGPALS THREE PILLARS

MENTORING: To build genuine and impactful relationships between students and our volunteers.

EARLY LITERACY: To improve students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: To help students build a strong social-emotional foundation through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

ReadingPals is managed by The Children’s Movement of Florida and administered through 17 United Ways — with the help of numerous community partners across the state.

• Complete a training program 
• Complete and pass a Level 1 background check
• Agree to read for 60 minutes on the same morning each week for the duration of the program
  
  

• Read in person with students for 60 minutes total once a week
• Use the provded resources to access books and activities that support early literacy skills