At The Big Lift, we know that strong reading skills are the foundation of future success. That’s why we’ve spent 2024 deepening our partnerships and expanding our programs to ensure more children in San Mateo County are set up for lifelong success. Here’s how we’ve been making an impact this year.
Aligning Literacy Instruction: Building a Seamless Bridge to Reading Success
One of The Big Lift’s top priorities is helping school districts align literacy instruction from preschool through TK-3rd grade. By combining best practices from early childhood education with the science of reading, we’re creating a connected approach that builds strong, confident readers.
In the 2023-24 school year, 1,260 prekindergarten children received enhanced language and literacy instruction, thanks to our district partners and supporting organizations like Fluent Seeds and Early Learning Corps.
Preschool as the Critical Building Block
These efforts are paying off! Preschoolers in The Big Lift-supported programs are showing gains in critical early literacy skills, including oral language development and recognizing letter names—important building blocks for learning to read.
Yet our data also shows areas for growth, like letter sounds. Programs like Peninsula Family Service stood out with remarkable gains, thanks to their strong implementation of enhanced literacy practices and additional resources. As we continue tracking this data, we’re uncovering best practices to help all programs thrive.
The impact is clear: children in Big Lift-supported preschools are nearly twice as likely to be ready for kindergarten as those who don’t attend preschool. Dual-language learners see the most significant benefits, reinforcing the importance of starting literacy education early.
Empowering Educators Through Professional Development
Behind every successful child is a team of dedicated educators and families working in partnership. This year, we supported professional development that strengthens these critical connections.
Through programs like the Family Development Credential, we’re equipping leaders in Big Lift schools with the tools to build positive, lasting relationships with families. Participants include community-based preschool directors, site supervisors, family liaisons, and nonprofit leaders. These champions are sharing their knowledge with their communities, multiplying the impact of this training far beyond individual classrooms.
When educators and families work together, children thrive. By raising both families’ and schools’ capacity to partner effectively, we’re reinforcing bonds and learning alike.
Supporting Families, a Child’s First Teacher
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child’s reading journey, and The Big Lift is here to help. This year, our capacity-building initiatives empowered families with tools, resources, and opportunities to support reading at home.
- ParentPowered: A simple yet effective curriculum that delivers weekly reading tips via text, helping families integrate literacy into daily life.
- Raising a Reader: Partnering with San Mateo County Libraries, we provided preschoolers with new books to take home weekly, building a love of reading from an early age.
- Parent Education Classes: Workshops focused on building strong parent-child relationships, creating routines, and fostering language development to ensure parents feel confident as their child’s first teacher.
- Let’s Read SMC: This website supports young readers and their families in learning about how reading works, developing the different skills that children need to be confident readers, and getting tips for supporting children at home.
By making literacy accessible and fun, we’re turning everyday moments into meaningful reading opportunities.
Inspiring Summers: Preventing Summer Learning Loss
Summer learning loss can set children back in their journey to reading proficiency. That’s why Inspiring Summers, our innovative summer program, is so important.
This year, we served 1,038 students, blending academic learning with enrichment activities to keep children engaged and growing. The results speak for themselves: 95% of children reported greater joy for learning after participating. Inspiring Summers ensures kids continue to make progress even when school is out.
The Big Picture: Why Early Literacy Matters
If we want children reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade, we need to start early. The Big Lift’s focus on aligning prekindergarten and TK-3 instruction, supporting educators, and empowering families is creating a ripple effect of success.
With your support, we can continue to expand these programs and help more children in San Mateo County build a strong foundation for their future. Together, we’re putting the pieces in place to support every child’s journey to reading success.
Thank you to our partners, funders, and community leaders for making this work possible. Let’s keep working together to create lasting change for children and families. Here’s to 2025!