NOTICE: This website is no longer updated, as the Decade of Difference initiative has reached its sunset date. Relevant information has been transferred to the main HCOE site.

Early Literacy Partners Program

Early childhood development, especially in the areas of reading and math, directly influences economic health and social outcomes for individuals and society.

Through 3rd grade, children are learning to read. After that they are reading to learn. If they have not learned to read by the end of the 3rd grade, as much as half of the printed 4th-grade curriculum is incomprehensible. A student who is not proficient in reading by the time they reach the 4th grade is four times more likely to be a high school drop out. Forty percent of Humboldt County third graders are below proficiency in their math skills.

For these reasons, the Decade of Difference has developed the Early Literacy Partners Program, which places volunteer tutors in preschool through second grade classrooms to work one-on-one with students who need a little extra help in reading and/or math.

Early Literacy volunteers:

  • Support students pre-school - 2nd grade
  • Contribute 2 hours per week during school hours
  • Work 1:1 with up to three students twice a week
  • Will be provided training, placement, and support with lesson plans and activities

Early Literacy volunteers are required to pass a TB test and a background check. All costs for these are covered by the program.

If you are interested in becoming an Early Literacy volunteer, or are a teacher interested in participating in the program, please email Olivia Kernen or call (707) 445-7007

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