Volunteer Reader Program
The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children. When kids are read to at an early age, they are more likely to become readers themselves and do well in school. By contrast, children without reading skills by third grade are unlikely to graduate.
United Way of King County's Volunteer Reader Program has mobilized more than 250 volunteers to read aloud to preschoolers one-on-one in preschools, Head Start programs and child care programs throughout King County. The program currently serves 36 sites and has reached more than 1,400 3-to-5-year-olds.
Volunteer Readers:
- Develop nurturing relationships that will boost children's self-esteem and ability to learn
- Expose them to new words and ideas
- Help them develop longer attention spans
- Promote language, literacy and social skills that are necessary for school readiness
- Have lots of fun with the kids!
Get Involved!
If you like kids and want to have a meaningful impact in our community, we want you to be a Volunteer Reader. It's one of the best ways you can help to prepare children for success in school-and life. We ask that you be friendly, responsible and able to commit one hour per week, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on a weekday, for a minimum of six months. We will provide you with training and ongoing support, and you will become part of a fun, supportive volunteer community.
Click the register button below to browse the list of sites, or e-mail readers@uwkc.org for more information.
