Raising A Reader

Educational Fostering Healthy Brain Development, Parent-Child Bonding, and Early Literacy Skills for Young Children


Contact: Michelle Wexler, (408) 283-6150, mwexler@CatholicCharitiesSCC.org
645 Wool Creek Drive, Suite B,
San Jose, CA 95112

Description and Services: 

Raising A Reader’s mission is to foster healthy brain development, parent-child bonding and early literacy skills critical for school success by engaging parents in a routine of daily read aloud activities with their children from birth to five. The program promotes a love of reading for parents and their preschoolers. We provide high-quality, age-appropriate books in English and Spanish for children (0-5 years of age) attending local preschools and community programs to use at home with their families on a rotating weekly basis. Our program encourages parents to read aloud to their children each day. Services include:

  • Red book bags, bi-lingual books, blue library bags, and Read Aloud videos/DVDs in nine languages
  • Teacher training materials for  pre-school classrooms for up to 25 students
  • Literacy training, read aloud strategies, and ongoing support services for daycare providers

Eligibility and Requirements: Available to preschools, child development centers, and other community-based programs serving low-income families with children 0-5 years of age. (Providers that do not serve low-income families. may also purchase Raising A Reader materials for their sites.)

Fees: None

Waiting List:  Short waiting list. Programming depends upon funding availability. Call (408) 283-6150 for additional information.

Hours and Availability: Services are available Monday – Friday, 9 - 5 p.m. Training, program support, and technical assistance for teachers and parents are also available in the evenings and on weekends.    

Geographic Area Served: A wide variety of day care centers and community-based programs throughout Santa Clara County

Languages spoken:  Spanish and English