Katharina Buczek
It is also extremely simple for families to get involved. The only qualification is that caregivers must participate in a program that partners with RAR-MA. Some of the organization’s collaborative partners include Head Start centers, schools, early learning programs, adult education centers, shelters, and more.
Plus, if a child is enrolled in a program or classroom that is already partnered with RAR-MA, then they are automatically signed up to be a part of the early literacy program.
RAR-MA’s dual intervention model consists of two key components– a weekly book rotation known as Red Book Bag Rotations, as well as family engagement interactions, like workshops.
Workshops are scheduled throughout the year, operating on an academic year schedule. Then, each summer, the team analyzes the reading intervention results and prepares new workshop materials for the upcoming year.
“Families can advocate with their child’s school or daycare center to partner with RAR-MA to access the full suite of our intervention strategies. We also believe in public equity of access to literacy resources, and as such, offer a wealth of resources,” Christine said.
These resources can be found readily available on RAR-MA’s Family Resources page.
How The Community Can Lend A Hand
Low literacy is a systemic problem that cannot be solved overnight or without the help of changemakers. According to Christine, investments from both philanthropic and government resources, as well as policy changes to better support the entire early childhood ecosystem, are needed.
Along with these efforts, simply raising awareness about the need for early literacy intervention is another avenue Christine has been exploring.
This year, RAR-MA is proud to be the nonprofit partner of Lisa Donovan’s Kiss108 Book Club, which has been a viable outlet for the organization to share more about its important work.
Back in March, RAR-MA’s Facebook page was also discovered by The Kelly Clarkson Show, which presented a unique opportunity to feature a nonprofit that was doing remarkable work in local communities.
