The Decade of Difference Early Literacy Partners Program is offering free trainings on Thursday, February 8 for individuals interested in making a difference in the life of a child. This is a great opportunity for community members to become early literacy tutors and help children in grades pre-school through second grade improve their skills in reading and/or math.

Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success and fundamental to a community’s economic prosperity. Reading and math are core building blocks of education, vital for mastering the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

Research shows that reading proficiency is a powerful predictor of later academic achievement. Children who have not mastered reading skills by the end of 3rd grade continue to fall further behind in school and are much more susceptible to academic and behavioral problems, which can lead to higher high school drop-out rates. Early learning in mathematics is as vital to a student’s mathematical success as early literacy involvement is to a student’s success in reading and writing.

One-on-one tutoring is one of the most effective proven methods to increase early literacy and an easy way to truly have an impact on the future of the North Coast. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials and information will be provided. Standard background checks, including fingerprinting & TB testing, are required and costs are covered through the program.

The Early Literacy tutor training takes place at Humboldt County Office of Education, 901 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka. Math training will be held from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Reading training will be 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Contact Chérie Zygaczenko, Literacy Program Coordinator, at 707-445-7007 or email czygaczenko@hcoe.org, to register for this free training or to find out more information about the program.