YMCA Reads

The YMCA READS! program provides the resources necessary to help improve the reading levels of children in kindergarten to third grade while developing greater self-esteem and social skills. Trained volunteers provide reading instruction in groups of one or two children using the SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phoneme Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) curriculum.

Students who participate in YMCA READS! are referred by the partner schools’ principals, reading or data coaches, guidance counselors and/or students’ teachers. Each student has been identified by a professional educator as “at-risk” and in need of additional reading skill development for successful grade level promotion. Each year, program assessments show improvements. The children’s reading levels are assessed at the beginning and throughout the program using the Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (iReady) test.

Factors such as students’ participation in the Free or Reduced Lunch or English Language Development Programs are also considered when students are referred to YMCA READS! Each child has a School Referral Form on file indicating the reading level and reason for referral.

Each student enrolled in YMCA READS! is expected to receive a minimum of two one-hour individualized sessions per week with a mentor. Each student’s reading level is assessed to provide targeted instruction.