I don’t know about you, but my son loves to read ALL DAY LONG. And before bed, we read the same book over and over sometimes. Creating a love for reading from birth totally helped and you guys know how much I love any free books, so I am absolutely thrilled to tell you about Spread the Word Nevada’s amazing Readers in Training (RIT) program!
Think of it like a personalized book club for your tiny human, and it’s designed to give Nevada’s youngest learners a fantastic head start on their reading journey. Just like our beloved Imagination Library that sends free books straight to your door, Readers in Training takes it a step further, helping to build those foundational reading skills right there in your comfy home.
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Table of Contents
What is Spread The Word Readers in Training
Readers in Training is a super cool early literacy program created just for kids from birth to five years old and their parents or guardians. It’s built on the heartwarming idea that getting ready to read really does begin at birth.
By involving families early on, it helps ignite a deep passion for books that can truly last a lifetime. And the best part? You can totally participate from the comfort of your own living room, making it easy-peasy for even the busiest Nevada families.
Things to Know
Becoming a participant in Readers in Training is more than just receiving awesome books. When your child joins this fantastic program, they’ll get:
- Brand New Books, Mailed Right to Your Door Monthly! Imagine the sheer delight on your child’s face when a shiny, new, and perfectly age-appropriate book arrives in the mail each month. It’s like a mini-celebration every time!
- Fun Tips and Activities with Every Book! Each book comes with super helpful tips and engaging activities that make story time interactive. These are designed to spark chats, encourage play, and help your child really dive into the stories. They’re like little secret tools to help you be your child’s very first, and most important, reading teacher.
- Connect with Other Families at Bi-Monthly Meet-Ups! Get ready to make new friends! These small group gatherings are a blast, often featuring exciting story times, hands-on crafts, and playful reading exercises. It’s a wonderful way to build community and share your reading adventures with other local families.
- Easy Monthly Virtual Check-ins! Stay connected with the friendly RIT team and other participating families through convenient monthly virtual chats. These are perfect opportunities to share your wins, ask any questions that pop up, and get ongoing support from the RIT community.
This whole package creates a super rich and fun environment for your little one to fall in love with reading, making becoming a reader in training feel natural and exciting!
How To Register Your Child for Readers in Training (RIT)
To join, families typically need to meet certain income guidelines (usually at or below 80% of the median HUD income for your county). If your family currently receives support from programs like TANF, Medicaid/Nevada Check Up, WIC, SNAP, LIHEAP, or Unemployment, you likely qualify!
- Head here to see if your family pre-qualifies for Readers in Training
- Once submitted, you will most likely receive an email either noting acceptance or letting you know you were placed on a waitlist. The waitlist email will say something like “Your family has been waitlisted for the Readers in Training Program. We plan to enroll your family in the coming months and will do so as soon as program numbers allow it, so please make sure you’re monitoring your email.”
- It can take months to be accepted – we have seen anywhere from 2-6 months to be accepted off the waitlist once spots opened up. So be patient and remember, it is based off of income as well.
- Once your registration is approved through Spread the Word Nevada, you can expect your first book to ship within the month. You’ll need to complete enrollment via email where they will link the Parent Questionnaire, get access to their private Facebook group, and also join in on mandatory virtual check-ins each month.
Why Is Early Reading So Super Important for Every Nevada Kiddo?
We talk a lot about how important reading is, but programs like Readers in Training really show why it’s so vital, even for our tiniest tots! Getting those little brains exposed to books and language early on does wonders:
- Brain Power Boost! Reading aloud to babies and toddlers actually helps their brains grow and develop, building those awesome connections needed for language and thinking skills.
- Vocabulary Explosion! The more words kids hear, the more words they learn! Books are like a secret superpower for expanding their vocabulary and helping them understand the world around them.
- Sparks a Love of Learning! When reading is a fun, cozy, and connecting experience, kids are way more likely to love books and keep learning throughout their lives.
- Kindergarten Ready Superstars! Kids who start kindergarten with solid pre-reading skills are simply more prepared to shine in school. Readers in Training gives them that perfect head start.
- Family Cuddle Time! Sharing a book creates those precious moments for snuggles, giggles, and sweet conversations between parents and children. It’s truly magical!
Ready to Make Your Child a Reader in Training Today?
- More Free Books? Yes, Please! Don’t forget to check out our article on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for another amazing way to fill your bookshelves for free!
- Discover Even More! For other super helpful resources and programs that support early childhood development across Nevada, take a peek at First 5 Nevada: https://www.first5nevada.org/
Happy reading!