Early Literacy for Families E.L.F.

Dyersburg City Schools is moving into the communities to offer an Early Literacy for Families (E.L.F.) program. This program will be offered free of charge to 4 year old children. Parents must agree to work with the teachers of the program by reading to their child every night, attend a meeting and a celebration, and be involved with their child in activities. Six children will be selected from a community to work at each of the ten sites throughout the city. A teacher, an assistant, and community member will pick children up at their homes, walk to a community site, and walk the children home at the end of the session. These groups will meet three days per week for six weeks during the summer.

Research shows that children learn at a much better rate after they learn to use literacy skills at an early age. Dyersburg City Schools want to provide families the tools needed for children to have a successful school career. The system invites community members to become involved with this program by volunteering time to walk with groups and help with activities.

The school system invites families with children who are three or four years old and who want to help their children begin a successful school career to call 286-3600 and speak with Lyn Burkhead. Volunteers are also needed in the communities' sites. Churches and centers that want to become a site for the program may also contact Lyn at 286-3600.