LOU Reads Hosts Free Kindergarten Readiness Program for Parents

Early Childhood and Reading Development Director Tamara Hillmer teaches parents during the November Parent Academy in 2018. New sessions are starting up next week.
Photo provided

This month LOU Reads will host the first session in its 2019-2020 Parent Academy program that is designed to help parents of rising kindergarteners understand what “kindergarten readiness” is and to equip and empower parents to work on kindergarten readiness skills with their child at home.

Parent Academy will focus on topics such as general development, oral language, early reading and writing and math.

The program is a partnership between LOU Reads, Barksdale Reading Institute, Lafayette Lower Elementary and Bramlett Elementary. Teachers and staff from both schools have attended intensive training at the BRI’s office in Jackson in preparation of hosting this year’s program.

The first session will be held at Bramlett Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The same session will be held at Lafayette Lower Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the same time. The same material will be presented at both locations, so parents are encouraged to select the session that is most accessible.

October’s session will focus on general development. Parents will receive hands-on training from teachers and staff as they are guided through activities designed to encourage the development of basic skills children will need for school success.

Registration is free, and all materials will be provided to parents at no cost. LOU Reads will also be providing a free meal, limited childcare, and door prizes.

A new topic will be covered each month. Additional sessions will be held in November, January, February and March.

Visit www.loureads.org/events for more information or contact Tamara Hillmer, director of Early Childhood and Reading Development, at tlhillmer@oxfordsd.org.

Hottytoddy.com staff report