Early grade literacy

If you read to a child 15 minutes a day, by age 5 that will add up to 27,375 minutes or 456 hours or 19 days!


40 books for kids that will help navigate tough topics: https://www.mother.ly/entertainment/what-to-read/books-for-kids-navigating-tough-topics/ 

Age-by-Age Guide to Reading to Your Baby: https://www.parents.com/baby/development/intellectual/age-by-age-guide-to-reading-to-your-baby/ 

Early Literacy Resources: https://growingbookbybook.com/early-literacy/ 

Literacy Ideas for Babies: https://growingbookbybook.com/literacy-ideas-babies/ 

Literacy Ideas for Beginning Readers: https://growingbookbybook.com/literacy-ideas-beginning-readers/ 

Literacy Ideas for Toddlers: https://growingbookbybook.com/reading-activities/babies-toddlers/ 

Literacy Ideas for Preschoolers: https://growingbookbybook.com/reading-activities/preschoolers/ 

Multicultural Books for Children: https://growingbookbybook.com/multicultural-childrens-books/ 

Printable Book Activities: https://growingbookbybook.com/book-activities/ 


Armory Sports and Recreation Center

701 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65201

573-817-5077

https://www.como.gov/parksandrec/facilities/armory-sports-recreation-center/

Homework Assistance from 3:00pm-6:00pm Monday-Friday during CPS school year

Staff is available to provide hands-on assistance to the youth. The program is available at no cost to youth 8 years and older.


CALE Education & Company / Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment

2201 W Nifong Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203

573-777-1300

info@caleedco.com 

https://www.comocale.com/ 

A microschool dedicated to catering to the individual needs of students, providing them with a personalized and dynamic learning experience. At CALE, they embrace a multi-age approach that allows them to meet students exactly where they are.


Central Missouri Community Action - Foster Grandparent Program

800 N Providence, Suite 220, Columbia, MO 65201

573-777-5225

fostergrandparents@cmca.us 

https://cmca.us/get-involved/senior-volunteer-opportunities/ 

Foster Grandparents are people, age 55+, who generously donate their time to mentor/tutor children in schools, daycare centers, after school/summer programs, and in Head Start centers. The Foster Grandparents come from all walks of life with diverse work experiences. Volunteers serve 5 to 40 hours per week, working to help children achieve success academically, socially, or developmentally. They are the classroom "grandparents" who are there to provide additional support to struggling students. Foster Grandparents and children play games, talk, listen, read, and eat together. Foster grandparents lend support to learning and therapy. Activities between the foster grandparents and children are developed for a one-on-one relationship. 


Central Missouri Community Action - Head Start

807 Providence Rd. Columbia, MO 65203

573-443-8706  Fax: 573-875-6993

Head Start Administrative Offices 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday

573-443-8706 ext. 1059  Fax: 573-874-6993

http://www.cmca.us/

Apply Online: 

English link: Head Start App (English)

Spanish link: Head Start App (Spanish)

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. Staff assist parents with medical and dental care, provide healthy meals and snacks and supervise children playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.

Head Start helps all children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers and a home based program is also available.


Centro Latino De Salud, Educacion Y Cultura

609 Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65203

573-449-9442  573-268-9533

http://centrolatino.missouri.org/en/about/

Hours: 1-5pm Monday through Thursday; call ahead, as hours sometimes vary

Services: Orientation to the community; English and Spanish classes; computer basic skills; health education; after school tutoring for ESL students enrolled in Columbia Public Schools Monday through Thursday from 3:30 - 5 pm (transportation provided from school)

Eligibility: Serves all Latino persons, without regard to country of origin, religious affiliation, or immigration status

Fees: Free, but donations are accepted


Daniel Boone Regional Library

100 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201

Hours: 9:00am - 8:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 1:00pm - 5:00pm Sunday

(573) 443-3161  Fax: (573) 499-0191

www.dbrl.org/

https://www.facebook.com/yourdbrl/

For Kids and Families: https://www.dbrl.org/kids 

Services: Free access to books, audiobooks, magazines, music CDs, newspapers, DVDs, electronic resources and other library material; computers; hotspots; ESL and Spanish language materials; story times for children; summer reading program for children and teens; events and classes for children, teens and adults; tours; bookmobile service to rural communities, neighborhoods and licensed child care centers; liaison with Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Parent Packs for new & expecting parents; Play as Learning Kits for families with young children ages 0-2; Little Red Reading Bags for families with young children ages 3-5; Learning Props Game Kits for families with young children ages 3-6; STEAM Kits for various all ages; 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program

Eligibility: Open to citizens of Boone and Callaway Counties

Intake Procedures: Call Outreach Department for mail, bookmobile, and shut-in service; walk-in or phone for other services

Required Documentation for Services: Proof of residency required for library card, some services available without a library card (reference services, magazines & newspapers, tax forms, etc.) Adults can apply online: www.dbrl.org/library-card-application 

Foreign Languages Spoken: Spanish is spoken by some staff


First Chance for Children

1002 Fay St, Columbia, MO 65201

573-777-1815 Fax: 573-777-1816

director@fc4c.org

http://www.firstchanceforchildren.org/

Lend and Learn Libraries are a free, fun place where parents can play with their children ages 0-5, interact with other parents, and ask trained staff questions about development or other concerns. Toys are available for check out so families can extend learning and play at home. Eligibility: open to anyone caring for a child under the age of 5. 

Baby U is a home visiting program supporting families with their specific parenting needs. Using the Nurturing Parenting and Parents as Teachers models, staff walk alongside families with children prenatally through the first semester of kindergarten providing resources, education, and support.  Eligibility: Baby U is open to low-income families or those experiencing high parenting stress

Geographic Area Served:  Boone, Howard, Cooper, Randolph, Audrain, Callaway, Moniteau, Cole, and Osage Counties.


Focus on Learning Center (tutoring and summer classes for K-College)

3610 Buttonwood Dr. #200, Columbia, MO 65201

573-239-4074       417-344-7055

FOLCI@FocusOnLearningCenter.com

https://focusonlearningcenter.com/

Services: Tutoring and summer classes for kindergarten-college (reading, writing, math, science, foreign languages, study skills, speed reading, assisted study hall, ACT/SAT/GRE/MCAT/LSAT prep.)

Fee: Full cost, accept payment through D.F.S. and also work with Caring Communities

Eligibility: Kindergarten through graduate school students.


Grade A+ Academic Support and Enrichment

P.O. Box 30843, Columbia, MO 65205

573-213-6095

gapinfo@gradeaplusinc.org 

www.gradeaplusinc.com 


Academic Support: After school tutoring for grades 3-12, Tuesday and Thursday for 10-13 weeks, three semesters a year. Services include: mathematics, language arts, and school assignments. 

Enrichment Opportunities: Science (Field and Stream, Fun in Science), Robotics and Engineering, The America Project (History & Culture), Mentoring (Positive Youth Development, Employment Opportunity Program, The Futures Project)

Family Support: Family Leader Support, Family Advocacy, Food Security & Transportation Support

Fee: None for Grade A+ Academic Support services. Some for Enrichment Program activities.

Eligibility: Open

Intake Procedures: Online application and interview.

Required documentation for service: Complete enrollment forms, attend parent orientation meeting, supply requested information.

Geographic Area: Open to all Boone county residents.


Granny's House

110 E. Worley St, Columbia, MO 65203

573-442-LOVE (5683) 

Contact Remi Onayemi (Granny's House Director) at 417-294-0643 or remi@grannyshouse.org

www.grannyshouse.org 

Hours: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. (M-F) and one Saturday morning per month

Academic Motivation Program: At Granny’s House, we want to create passionate learners and promote academic excellence! One of the ways we accomplish this is through our Academic Motivation Program (AMP). All semester long, participants keep a log of the time they spend with volunteers getting help in the Homework Room with their school assignments, as well as bringing in their final grades at the end of the semester. Points are assigned for each minute of study and for each C and above grade they receive. Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation, however, those with the most points receive a trophy and a gift card to reward their hard work and diligence. 

The Leadership Academy: We launched The Leadership Academy to help Granny’s House kids create a road map for the future. In addition to teaching them about the character qualities that make great leaders, we bring in leaders from the business, education, church community to share secrets to success. The kids hear from professionals who have careers in the fields that interest them and have opportunities to ask really important questions. Questions like, “Did you ever want to quit?” and “What role did your faith play in helping you become successful?” or “Did you ever hear things that made you want to cry?” Every guest speaker opens a new window of possibilities for Granny’s House kids. 

Reel Stories Book Club: In today’s tech-driven world, kids spend more time staring at screens than turning the pages of good books and, at Granny’s House, we want to change that! The #1 goal of the Reel Stories Book Club is to cause the kids to fall in love with books and reading, so the incentive for coming week after week to read and discuss the book is that after we finish, we have a party and watch the movie that’s based on the book. We’re growing a whole lot of book lovers! 

The Caleb Science Club: An opportunity for 5th – 12th graders to gain interactive, hands-on experience and learn more about science, medicine, and healthcare. Check the fall dates below and mark your calendars for the Saturday sessions. Don’t miss out on a chance for students to engage in learning, leadership, and development. We look forward to seeing your student in-person! Science Club enrollment form: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a02DFy8ZOmwhEEu 

Eligibility: Anyone in or around public housing ages 4-13

Intake Procedures: Call or walk-in to enroll

Required Documentation for Services: None

Geographic Area Served: Columbia public housing


Heart of Missouri United Way

105 E Ash St, Suite 300, Columbia, MO 65203

573-443-4523

office@uwheartmo.org 

https://www.uwheartmo.org/read-across-columbia/ 

Read Across Columbia program: Heart of Missouri United Way removes this barrier to literacy by getting kids their very own books. Read Across Columbia puts inclusive book titles into the hands of all first and second grade students at our five elementary schools with the lowest reading proficiency scores and highest free-and-reduced lunch rates. These same schools are also the most diverse in our district. Each Fall and Spring, United Way volunteers pack bookbags with 4 books plus one coupon for a free book from Daniel Boone Regional Library, for approximately 650 kids. By reaching kids that most need support, we are advancing equity in education. 


J.W. "Blind" Boone County Community Center

301 N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203

573-443-2556

https://columbiaha.com/resident-services/moving-ahead-program/ 

https://www.facebook.com/MovingAheadCHA/ 

jbrooks@columbiaha.com 

mflores@columbiaha.com 

Moving Ahead program: The Moving Ahead Program is a high-quality, state-licensed, after-school, and summer program in the J.W. “Blind” Boone Community Center that provides an effective mix of one-on-one tutoring and fun cultural and physical activities for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. MAP offers wrap-around services, including an extensive family development and education program, to ensure that the student and the whole family can build healthy social connections, overcome personal barriers, and grow! We currently serve over 100 Columbia youth. 

Hours: 2:00pm-6:30pm, M-F, during CPS school days 

Application: Call Janice Brooks, Moving Ahead Program Coordinator at 573-443-2556, ext. 1283 for more information 

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Moving Ahead Program, you must be 200% below the federal poverty rate. Columbia Housing Authority Residents and Section 8 get first priority. 


Jumpstart 

909 Lowry Mall, Room 201F, Columbia, MO 65211

573-882-8942 

jamesbet@missouri.edu 

https://career.missouri.edu/jumpstart/

Afterschool program for preschool children that focuses on kindergarten readiness to prepare children to enter school ready to succeed. For preschool aged children.


Kumon Math and Reading Center of Columbia

3401 Broadway Business Park Ct, Suite 111, Columbia, MO 65203

573-446-6668

jenniferkreisel@ikumon.com 

https://www.kumon.com/columbia/aboutcenter 

The Kumon Reading Program begins with basic phonics and progresses all the way through advanced reading comprehension. 

Children will learn:

Cost: Free assessment, monthly fee


Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center

1509 Hinkson, Columbia, MO 65201

573-449-5600  Fax: 573-875-1535

Email: megang@mljclc.org 

http://www.mljclc.org/

Hours: 7:00-5:30 Monday-Friday

Services: Infant/Toddler child care and development, Preschool (ages 4 to kindergarten)

The preschool classrooms at MLJCLC are rich in learning experiences and literacy exposure. The children participate in nurtritional education and the JumpStart early literacy program. Our mission is to ensure all children are successful and confident when starting kindergarten. 

Fee: Sliding scale dependent on the income of the family

Eligibility: Ages 6 weeks until kindergarten entry


ParentLink - University of Missouri

2800 Maguire Blvd, Columbia, MO 65211

573-882-7322  

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed noon to 1:00 p.m.)

Parent Link Warm Line - 800-552-8522 for high quality parenting information and answers to your parenting questions

https://education.missouri.edu/parentlink/

ParentLink professionals will offer expert problem-solving support, helpful research-based information, and get you connected to the services or supports that are right for you.  We will even follow up to make sure that your needs were met, and continue to work with you until you get what you need.

Fee: Free

Eligibility: Parents and professionals involved with children


Parents As Teachers

2191 Smiley Ln, Columbia, MO 65202

573-214-3955   Fax: 573-214-3998

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (M-F)

krsmith@cpsk12.org

https://www.cpsk12.org/pat 

An early-learning program for parents with children prenatal to age 5. As a parent, you are your child's first teacher and your home is your child's first school. Your baby begins learning prenatally. Parents As Teachers can help you lay a strong foundation for your child's future success in school. Parents As Teachers is offered at no cost.

Home Visits - Personalized home visits by certified parent educators, specially trained in child development and eager to help you give your child a great start.

Group Connections - Group meetings with other parents and parent-child activities, where you can share parenting experiences and gain new insight about your child.

Drop in and Play - Located at the Center for Early Learning North, our play room is open Friday mornings and typically the first Wednesday evening of each month for play time.

Classes - PAT offers free Positive Parenting classes, Infant Massage classes, and Preschool and Parent Yoga on the first Wednesday evening of most months at the Center for Early Learning North. 

Screenings - PAT offers periodic screening of overall development, language, health, hearing, and vision.

Teen Parent Group Meetings - PAT offers pregnant or parenting teens regular meetings and support at all of the local public high schools.


P.E.A.C.E. (People Embracing Another Choice Effectively)

601 Business Loop 70 W, Suite 214-A, Columbia, MO 65201

https://peacecomo.org/our-programs 

Offers youth mentorship program that consists of a three-tier platform that is designed to help troubled and at-risk youth. The program uses a Sanctuary Model that allows youth to feel safe in their change process. Discussions will address the ways in which trauma, adversity, chronic stress, and triggers influence individual behaviors based on the lesson plan on the floor for dissection. In this model, relapse is not an option because we believe in the self-healing power of the mind, a spiritual connection, the inherit resilience of people, and self-efficacy.


The Rollins Reading Company

PO Box 7857, Columbia, MO 65205

info@rollinsreading.org

https://www.rollinsreading.org/ 

A 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to improving literacy achievement of children in early education.

Books N Bags program: Partnership with Columbia Public Schools. Books N Bags fosters the love of reading through book ownership and encourages reading at home by providing children with new and gently used books for their home libraries to read and reread. Each child also chooses a one-of-a-kind handmade book bag to carry the books home.

To get the books into the children’s hands, we organize a Books N Bags event at a school inviting children to choose 5 books they want to own and to pick out their very own book bag. During the event, our Book Friends (volunteers) help the children choose books and read to them from their book selections. The children, teachers and volunteers enjoy the event and there is reading joy for all.

Our volunteers make the Books N Bags program possible. They collect kids’ books in the community and make fun book bags using recycled and new materials. Books N Bags welcomes book and fabric donations, and volunteers who have interest in sewing, helping collect books and fabric, and reading to children.


UCP Child Development Center

3804 Santiago Dr., Columbia, MO 65203

573-449-6783   FAX:  573-449-8963

brookinsc@ucpheartland.org

www.ucpheartland.org

Services: Child Development Center offers individualized early care and education for children with and without disabilities ages 6 weeks to 6 years, before/after school care with transportation to and from MillCreek, Rock Bridge and Grant, summer day camp for ages 6 to 12; Friday evening respite program for children with disabilities and their families. 

Fee: Varies by program, accepts Child Care subsidy

Eligibility: 6 weeks to 12 years of age for early care and education, under 16 for other services

Intake Procedure: Phone or walk-in

Required Documentation for Services: Enrollment packet

Geographic Area Served: Columbia and surrounding area


Columbia Public Schools

English Language Learners (ELL) Program

1818 W Worley St, Columbia, MO 65203

573-214-3965

sfair@cpsk12.org 

https://www.cpsk12.org/domain/92 

The mission of the Columbia Public Schools English Language Learners (ELL) program is to provide effective and age-appropriate English language instruction (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), and to support English Language Learners to achieve in all content areas, grades K-12. A highly educated and dedicated team of teachers enhances our ability to meet our academic mission and link our diverse community to our schools. Through the inclusion of parents, community members, community resources, parent liaisons, and interpreters, the Columbia School District works to provide a well-rounded support base for all of the ELL families in our schools. 


Preschool

2191 Smiley Lane Columbia, MO 65202 

573-214-3585  FAX 573-214-3871  

NLangston@cpsk12.org 

www.cpsk12.org

Services: Preschool program for qualifying children from ages 3-5; preschool screenings

Fee: Free of charge for eligible children

Eligibility: Age 3 by August 1 in the year of enrollment, preschool screening to determine eligibility

Intake Procedures: Preschool screening (call 573-214-3585)

Required Documentation for Services: Birth Certificate, immunization record, proof of residency

Geographic Area Served: Columbia Public School attendance area


Title I

1818 W Worley St, Columbia, MO 65203

573-214-3400

cpscomm@cpsk12.org 

https://www.cpsk12.org/titlei 

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA), provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet state academic standards. Federal funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state.