Early Learning Coalition Kicks Off Literacy Buddy Program For 2011-2012, Seeks Buddies

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- What if you could help a young 3 to 5 year old child in Southwest Florida to learn to read and write just by sending them a book and a letter? You can! The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida is continuing their Literacy Buddy Program for the fourth year and they are in need of buddies, or volunteers.

A Literacy Buddy agrees to receive letters from a child in an early learning facility served by the Early Learning Coalition. The Buddy, will in turn, send a letter and a high quality book to this child in response. This exchange will take place three times over the course of a school year. The purpose is to teach children about correspondence, communication and instill appreciation of reading. For some of children, this provides the only opportunity to have books of their own at home.

The Literacy Buddy Program has direct, measurable results. This program helps lay the foundation for early literacy skills and ultimately, success in school. In nearly every case the child’s communication skills are positively impacted and visible via letters and verbal communication changes. You can be directly involved in enriching the lives of many children through your participation in this program!

In existence for three years, the purpose of the Literacy Buddy Program is to help young, pre-elementary school aged children develop and excel in literacy. In the past year 1,348 children were matched with Literacy Buddies and this year 1,500 children are expected to participate. There are currently 630 buddies registered.

For more information on the Literacy Buddy Program initiative or to download an application, please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org/downloads-literacy_buddy_project... or email literacybuddies@elcofswfl.org with your name, address and phone number.

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida exists to enhance the quality of children's lives by providing low income families, early childhood educators, care-givers and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties, with opportunities to positively impact the future. For details on our many services or to donate, please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org or call (239) 267-4105.

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ELC exists to enhance the quality of children's lives by providing low-income families, early childhood educators, caregivers and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties, with opportunities to positively impact the future.