Jacksonville, Fla.–To promote children’s literacy in Duval County, Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Early Head Start program will incorporate Nemours BrightStart! Early Literacy Program modules into its curriculum beginning this summer.

The Nemours BrightStart! initiative provides educational programs for at-risk four-to-five year olds so they can get a jump start on reading success. Curriculum is based on the premise that the foundation for literacy is built in a child’s early years, when the brain is more responsive, adaptable and attuned to learning language.

“Early childhood education is vital to a child’s growth,” said Kymberly Cook, executive director of Children’s Home Society of Florida. “We look forward to helping more children along the First Coast meet and exceed early learning literacy milestones through Nemours BrightStart!.”

The curriculum for pre-kindergarten children identified as at risk for reading failure focuses on numerous critical pre-reading skills:

•Letter identification, letter sounds, print concepts, and emergent writing;
•Oral language skills, including story comprehension and vocabulary;
•Phonological awareness, including breaking words apart into syllables and rhyming.

The curriculum consists of 20 highly interactive, engaging lessons designed for one-on-one or small group instruction. Nemours BrightStart! lessons incorporate multisensory teaching so that children see, say, touch, and act out the lessons.

To learn more about Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Early Head Start program, please visit www.chsfl.org/EarlyHeadStart.

The partnership was made possible by grant funds awarded by Holland & Knight.