YMCA Reads!

Program Overview

The YMCA READS! program seeks to close the gap in between students' reading performance and the State of Florida's reading-performance expectations.

We are currently seeking volunteers that are willing to dedicate as little as two hours per week to improve a child's reading score. Volunteers will work with a small group of students and deliver individualized lesson plans developed by the Program Coordinator to the students in their group.

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.

Students who participate in YMCA READS! are referred by the partner schools' principals, reading coaches, guidance counselors and/or student's teachers. Students are referred to our program based on their performance in reading in the classroom and assessment testing such as the iReady Florida Diagnostic.

Each student's reading level is continuously assessed to provide targeted instruction. Student progress is monitored quarterly through curriculum and school assessments, but the biggest measurement is by what their families have to say about the program.
All students enrolled in the YMCA READS! program are referred by teachers at their local school. 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 iReady Florida Diagnostic test.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"What I appreciate here is the fact that we get to work with children one-on-one or with a very small group. That is such a luxury for someone like me who used to have an entire classroom at a time! I used to see 900 children a week because I taught music, theater and fine arts. In this setting, we get to really see where the learning process is breaking down so we can address it right then and there. No wonder the children are making progress! They know what is expected from them because there is a routine. Things are consistent and predictable in the SIPPS program and in the program as a whole. That's what they need, because they have focus issues, so this structure keeps them grounded. This is a great program, so I love coming here. I just love those kids!"

- YMCA Reads Volunteer