Background Approximately half of Alaska’s children go to kindergarten unprepared to read, learn or succeed. Research shows that waiting until kindergarten to teach literacy skills is too late. Ninety percent of brain development occurs between birth and age six. Parents who read, tell stories and have positive daily interactions with their young children promote the child’s brain development. Children who are in quality early learning programs have higher literacy skills, increased graduation rates and better attitudes toward school. Last summer, the Alaska Ready to Read, Ready to Learn Task Force issued a report with key recommendations to help better prepare Alaska children for kindergarten. Among the recommendations were these that focused on improving literacy skills in the home: Increase the engagement of parents, grandparents and extended family in their child’s early learning by providing resources and incentives. Develop and increase access to quality, culturally engaging reading materials. Increase proven, family centered literacy programs by partnering with other organizations. Out of the Task Force recommendations grew an interest to address the “in the home” recommendations here in Anchorage. A local working group was formed and spearheaded by Anchorage First Lady Deborah Bonito. The group includes representatives from Child Care Connection, Anchorage Municipal Libraries, Alaska Family Child Care Association, Anchorage School District, Alaska Best Beginnings, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, and several Task Force members.

ABC Read and Talk with Me Anchorage was generously funded by BP and supported by Best Beginnings: Alaska's Early Childhood Investment.

632 W. 6th Avenue   Anchorage, Alaska  99501
PO Box 196650 Anchorage, Alaska  99519
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