Site Supervisors
Thank you for your interest in participating as a site for America Reads at Penn State. We have served over 60 different Day Care Providers and 12 school districts in the state of Pennsylvania since the beginning of our program in 1997.
If you would like to sign up to be a participating site with America Reads at Penn State please access the list of campus locations and contact the closest campus coordinator to your site.
Placement sites may include preschools and elementary schools, after-school and recreation programs, child-care facilities, housing authorities, libraries, and Head Start or family literacy programs. Participating sites should keep in mind that the intent of the program is to serve children most in need of literacy support. In addition, America Reads Partners should never displace placement site staff.
Quite simply, America Reads Partners read with and participate in site-planned educational activities for preschool (including infants and toddlers) through elementary-age children in a variety of community settings and at various times of the day and early evening. Partners are expected to act professionally and follow the policies and procedures of America Reads and their placement site in the community.
What training do the America Reads Reading Partners receive?
All America Reads Reading Partners receive (and are paid for) training in techniques for reading with children and listening to children read. This initial training in a workshop format includes:
• An explanation of responsibilities, policies, and procedures.
• An overview of children’s literacy development and children’s literature.
• Techniques for reading aloud with children and listening to them read.
• Ideas for developing children's vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• Ideas for incorporating the arts (drama, music, art activities).
• Tips and resources for selecting high-quality books and materials.
On-going training and support is provided for Partners in workshops and through participation in an on-line discussion forum (listserv) established for the program. Topics include teaching techniques for various populations or ages of children, sharing of ideas and resources, and discussion and troubleshooting of problems or issues that arise on the job.
What are the responsibilities of the On-Site Supervisors in the community?
On-site Supervisors should provide the America Reads Reading Partners with an orientation to the site and discuss the Partners’ job responsibilities. As stated previously, all Partners are trained to read with and listen to children read; however, many Partners may be able to assume additional responsibilities, such as one-on-one tutoring with specific children. Please discuss with the Reading Partner their perceived skills for assuming more responsibilities; some may need additional training. On-Site Supervisors should also sign and fax Partners’ biweekly time sheets, sign a Letter of Agreement, and complete Section Two of the Placement Form (Partners will have copies of the forms). For more specific information please see the link below.
Why get involved in America Reads?
Participating Partners have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of the college program and contribute valuable assistance to local communities. Community programs receive “an extra pair of hands” to help out with educational activities and provide personal literacy support to children. Most of all, countless children have the additional attention that may positively change the course of their lives forever.
