EARLY LEARNING &
READING NETWORK
The Early Learning & Reading Network is dedicated to ensuring 100 percent enrollment in TPS preschools, meeting all six developmental skills entering kindergarten, and reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
The Day You Begin
Tacoma Reads
Books are meant to be enjoyed and read aloud! Gather with the whole family and hear Senator T’wina Nobles read The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson, a selected title from the Tacoma Public Library’s Tacoma Reads program.
From Penguin Random House, National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.
WHAT WE DO
Increase Access to Early Supports
Help build pathways for early learning success resulting in expanding Play to Learn, a free program by Greentrike for adults and their children to play together, into Tacoma's Eastside and South End communities.
Support Early Development
Host bi-annual training opportunities for parents, caregivers, childcare providers, and teachers to support children in key competencies of the WaKids and school readiness. Building Connections has provided nearly 1,500 professional development hours since 2015.
Promote Healthy Reading Habits
Connect students to books from Book to Home delivery during summer and spring breaks and provide free books to neighborhood barbers who predominantly serve boys of color through the Books to Barbershops initiative
NETWORKSTRATEGIES
NETWORKLEADERSHIP
Wendy Holcomb
ELRN Manager | Foundation for Tacoma Students
Michelle Rahl-Lewis
Program Specialist | Tacoma Public Schools
Angie Neville
Curriculum & Instruction Director | Tacoma Public Schools
Alyssa Torrez
Community Engagement Manager | KBTC Public Television
Phoebe Anderson
Chief Operations Officer | Child Care Resources
Alyssa Tongue
Learning Experiences Director | Greentrike
Jamie Mittan
Librarian | Tacoma Public Library
