Early Reading First, part of the President's "Good Start, Grow Smart" Initiative, is designed to transform existing early education programs into centers of excellence providing high-quality, early education to young children. The overall purpose of the Early Reading First Program is to prepare young children for entry into kindergarten with the necessary language, cognitive, and early reading skills needed to prevent reading difficulties and ensure success in school and life.
Through the Early Reading First grant, five early learning centers in Atlanta will be transformed from high quality centers to centers of excellence in early literacy by enhancing teachers’ knowledge of literacy materials and techniques to improve the reading skills and classroom environment of pre-schoolers. Participating centers will incorporate the use of a research-based curriculum, Opening the World of Learning (OWL), developed by Judith Schickedanz and David Dickinson.
The program will impact approximately 328 children from the following centers selected to participate based on their proven commitment to quality, and for the percentage of students at risk for early reading challenges:
As part of Early Reading First, the Realizing the DREAM initiative will support parents and encourage early literacy within the home and help children make a successful transition into kindergarten.
In addition, children will be assessed at various points during the three-year time frame to determine the effectiveness of the changes and make adjustments as necessary.
For additional information about Early Reading First, please visit
