Literacy for a Lifetime

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$952

Project of

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

March 2012

End Date

June 2013

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Martin

Project Overview

The Martin County Library, Fairmont Community Education and the Fairmont/Martin County West Early Childhood Initiatives hosted a program called "Literacy That Lasts a Lifetime." Families with children birth through 1st grade were encouraged to register to track their reading together. The goal was for them to read at least one book per week together between September 2012 and April 2013. Books were given at the start of the program, the 25 book benchmark and the 50 book benchmark, which signifies completion. A grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund paid for the books and other supplies. Registrations, check-ins and book distribution was handled by the Martin County Library. Other partners provided cash and promoted the program. The goal of the program was to increase the number of families reading together, and to stress the importance of early literacy and parent education. In order to increase excitement about the program, a kickoff and ending celebration were held in September 2012 and March 2013 respectively. This specific grant request funded special performers (Brian Richards and Mr. Twister) for the childen at the year start and end celebrations.

Project Details: 2013 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$952

Other Funds Leveraged

$7,200

Direct expenses

$8,152

Administration costs

$24

Number of full time equivalents funded

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

At least 75% of registered children display an increase in literacy skills according to the MDE developmental milestones checklist (determined by pre-test and post-test). Children who attend the kick-off celebration will be excited abou the reading program. Families will report reading together more frequently over the course of the program (determined by pre-test and post-test).

Measurable Outcome(s)

We had 290 people attend the two special programs at the start and end celebrations. 312 children registered for the program and 50% completed the program. Based on pre-test and post-test surveys, 96% of completed surveys reflected an improvement in more than one of the MDE's developmental milestones for the children's age groups. Based on an informal survey taken after the kick-off program, children who attended the celebration were very excited about participating in the program. This was also demonstrated in the huge number of families who signed up for the literacy program after attending the performance. Families reported 96% of the time (based on completed surveys) that they were incorporating more reading into their lives and better understood the importance of literacy through this program.

Source of Additional Funds

Fairmont Community Ed and Rec., Fairmont Early Childhood Initiative, Martin County West Early Childhood Initiative, Fairmont Early Childhood and Family Ed, Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund, Mr. Twister (Bob Anderson), Brian Richards, and Martin County Library