ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings. ReadingPals offers volunteers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young children in Florida, while helping them improve their social-emotional development and early literacy skills. ReadingPals is designed by The Children’s Movement of Florida and administered through 17 United Ways — with the help of numerous community partners across the state.

45% of children in Florida are not ready for Kindergarten and 43% of Florida students cannot read at a minimally proficient level by the end of third grade. Additionally, studies show that children with mentors are more confident and have fewer behavioral problems. Early intervention and individualized attention gives students the best likelihood of success.

What Do We Hope To Achieve?

• MENTORING: To build genuine, impactful relationships between students and our volunteer mentors.

• EARLY LITERACY: To improve students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.

• SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: To help students build a strong social-emotional foundation through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

For 30 minutes to 1-hour each week, a ReadingPals volunteer spends time with a pair of preschoolers, reading a book, completing activities, and developing skills that the children will need for success in school. Each child participating in the ReadingPals initiative also receives at least ten books to help build their home library. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older in order to participate as a ReadingPals Volunteer.

Volunteer Information:

If you are interested in becoming a ReadingPals Volunteer, sign up here. 

Columbia County Volunteer Online Signup 

Suwannee County Volunteer registration form.