What is the YMCA READS! Program?

The YMCA READS! Program is an innovative early intervention program. It uses a “Whole Village” approach, as it is a unique partnership between the Florida Alliance of YMCAs, the State Department of Education, the Volunteer Florida Foundation, participating schools, parents and community members.

(Click the map for a larger version - A contact list is available here)

YMCA READS! encompasses the State of Florida. To date, the program serves over 1,000 students in primary grades. Since its beginning in September 2005, this program has provided over 56,000 hours of free individualized reading instruction in 27 schools.

The primary focus of YMCA READS! is on improving children’s reading skills while helping them develop greater self-esteem and the ability to build relationships. The program provides a structured after-school program taught by trained mentors under the supervision of a full-time coordinator. Each child’s progress is carefully monitored, and family involvement is encouraged.

The schools targeted for this program have high rates of students testing below grade level in reading, and high rates of students eligible for the Free or Reduced Lunch services. Students are referred to the YMCA READS! Program by their teachers or reading specialists, based on their performance on state standardized reading tests. They attend the program at least two days a week until they no longer need the services, which are free to the schools and families.