Building Readers From the Start!

 Classroom-embedded early literacy support for children ages 0–5, their educators, and the families who love them.

Storytime Specialists in the Classroom

R2S deploys trained Storytime Specialists and guest readers directly into Pre-K, NC Pre-K, and Head Start classrooms — modeling evidence-based dialogic reading that builds phonological awareness, vocabulary, and alphabet knowledge right where children learn.

Early Childhood Educator Workforce Training

Early childhood educators working with R2S community partners receive structured, Science of Reading–aligned workshops with practical, ready-to-use strategies for oral language development and phonological awareness. Less planning burden. More instructional confidence.

Books, Events & Family Reading Resources

Culturally responsive book bundles, literacy kits, and Family Reading Newsletters travel home with children under 5 years — deepening family engagement year-round. R2S extends this further through family reading events, guest author visits, book distribution, and out-of-school time support like summer camp.

---

“On behalf of our children and staff, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the generous donation of books and learning materials. Your kindness is truly a gift to our classrooms. A special thank-you to Ms. Ann for taking the time to come and read to our children.”

- Monica McDaniel, Family Service Coordinator Verner Center for Early Learning

---

What R2S Offers

At Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe, we know that reading proficiency doesn't begin in kindergarten — it begins in the first years of life. Ninety percent of brain development occurs before age five, and the vocabulary, phonological awareness, and alphabet knowledge children build in those years are among the strongest predictors of later reading success.

R2S partners with early childhood centers to strengthen literacy instruction within existing classrooms — meeting educators and families where they already are, and building durable capacity that extends well beyond our visits.

How We Work With Early Childhood Partners

Every center we partner with brings its own strengths, challenges, and community context. Before embedding, we work with center leadership to understand:

• The ages and developmental needs of children served
• Current literacy routines and instructional practices in place
• Educator experience levels and professional development priorities
• Family engagement opportunities and communication channels
  
  

Using this foundation, R2S Storytime Specialists and literacy trainers deliver support tailored to each classroom and community. Depending on the partnership, this may include:

• Weekly dialogic read-alouds modeling phonological awareness and vocabulary development
• Structured professional development workshops in Science of Reading–aligned practices
• Curated read-aloud kits educators can replicate independently
• Culturally responsive book distribution for classrooms and families
• Monthly Family Reading Newsletters to reinforce learning at home
• Coordination with center administrators to align literacy practices with developmental standards

What Partners Receive

R2S's early childhood partnerships go beyond a single visit or workshop. Centers working with us gain:

• Consistent, weekly classroom modeling from trained Storytime Specialists
  
• Access to structured literacy workshops for teaching staff and classroom aides
  
• Culturally responsive, age-appropriate books — including board books, indestructible infant books, and Pre-K storybooks
• Seasonal literacy kits and take-home family reading resources
• Ongoing coordination and follow-up support from R2S program staff
• Connection to R2S's broader network of literacy partners across Buncombe County
  

By investing in early childhood literacy, your center strengthens kindergarten readiness outcomes for the children most impacted by systemic inequity — and builds the instructional foundation that lasts a lifetime.