Expanding the Read Ready early learning program, EducateNKY extends its reach to Dayton, following in the footsteps of Covington and Newport.
Dayton Adopts Read Ready Initiative to Boost Kindergarten Readiness
The City of Dayton has taken a significant step towards improving early childhood education by adopting the place-based early learning initiative, Read Ready Dayton. The decision was made following a unanimous vote of 5-0 by the Dayton City Council [1][2].
Read Ready Dayton is a collaborative effort led by a local coordinating group that includes city officials, school officials, libraries, childcare providers, nonprofits, and local citizens and parents. The initiative's goal, as stated by Jay Fossett, Dayton's City Administrator, is to give every Dayton child the strongest possible start in life and a strong foundation for future success [1][2].
The initiative will see Dayton officially commit to joining Covington and Newport in the Read Ready Network, a growing regional network of cities dedicated to supporting families with children ranging from prenatal through age five. The focus of Read Ready Dayton is on meeting families where they are located and connecting them to resources [1][2].
Dr. Jenny Watson, Vice President of Early Learning and Family Power at EducateNKY, praised Dayton's commitment to its youngest learners. EducateNKY, an organisation that provides ongoing technical assistance to Dayton for the implementation of Read Ready Dayton, will also facilitate opportunities for collaboration with other Northern Kentucky communities implementing similar place-based models [1][2].
The success of Read Ready in Covington and Newport has inspired Dayton's adoption of the initiative. Jay Fossett expressed pride in working alongside EducateNKY, Dayton public schools, and community partners for the benefit of Dayton's children. He also stated that the adoption of Read Ready Dayton is a long-term investment in the city's future [1][2].
The Read Ready Network, which includes EducateNKY, is helping Northern Kentucky Ohio River cities by fostering collaborative, community-driven early learning efforts focused on literacy and family engagement, thereby increasing kindergarten readiness and promoting equitable educational opportunities in the region [1][2].
For more information about EducateNKY and their efforts to support early learning in the River Cities, visit educatenky.org.
[1] City of Dayton Resolution Adopting Read Ready Dayton [2] Press Release: Dayton Joins Ready Ready Network to Boost Kindergarten Readiness
- In a similar endeavor, the neighboring city of Covington and Newport are already part of the Read Ready Network, a regional collaboration that focuses on early education for children from prenatal to age five.
- In line with its goal of promoting personal growth and learning, EducateNKY, a nonprofit organization based in northern Kentucky, will work with Dayton schools and community partners to facilitate the implementation of the Read Ready Dayton initiative.
- The Read Ready Dayton initiative aims to connect Dayton's families with resources within their communities, paving the way for equitable education opportunities and enhancing kindergarten readiness.
- By adopting the Read Ready Dayton initiative, the City of Dayton is investing in its future, striving to provide every child in the community with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and self-development, aligning with the objectives of the Read Ready Network.
