At West Carrollton’s Early Childhood Center, 12 first-grade students received focused reading and phonics support. Over nine weeks, the students made noticeable improvements in both their reading skills and phonics knowledge. Many students advanced from a kindergarten reading level to a first-grade level, gaining confidence and essential literacy skills along the way. By building these literacy skills early, West Carrollton is laying the groundwork for better health literacy and improved health outcomes in the children’s futures.

Why We Did It

Research from the Center for Health Care Strategies reveals that almost 90% of adults in the U.S. struggle with health literacy, which can negatively impact their health. Strong reading and comprehension skills developed in early childhood are important for building the health literacy needed to make informed health decisions later in life. The program aims to address the literacy gap among first-grade students who were reading below grade level. By providing targeted phonics and reading support, Reading Allies helps improve academic skills and student confidence, which is vital for long-term educational success. These interventions support children who lack the resources at home to develop reading habits.