Parents & Caregivers

READ from the START (RFTS) programs are fun and educational.

Participants learn fresh ideas about reading to young children and receive a set of wonderful children’s books to keep.

What happens at a READ from the START program?

• READ from the START programs are for adults only, but childcare is often provided during the program. RFTS is offered free of charge.

• Participants read and discuss a selection of children’s books together.

• Participants explore activities to do with their children after reading, such as art, songs, finger plays, and dramatic play.

• Participants learn how to choose good books for their children.

• Participants learn how reading to children helps strengthen the parent/child bond, prepares children for future learning, and helps children fall in love with books and stories.

Here’s what RFTS participants have said:

I learned that reading to my child is the best thing you can do for him.
~Parent, Randolph County

I really enjoyed it! The leader was the best speaker I have heard in a VERY long time! He made reading really fun for parents. I really enjoyed looking at these stories from other perspectives. Thanks so much! MOST OF ALL…Thanks for the FREE BOOKS!
~ Parent, Benton

You learn to notice things about books that you might not have noticed before. You become more observant about what you read.
~Parent, Cape Girardeau

A wonderful opportunity to open the imagination of the adult; it shows how fun it is to truly examine the pictures and to discuss the items not usually noticed when “just” reading.
~Parent educator, Cairo

I read books now even though my baby isn’t brought into the world yet. I know he hears me.
~Teen Parent, McCluer North

RFTS teaches you how to do more than just read to your kids. It taught me what to talk about with my kids when we read.
~Parent, Fayette

To find out when RFTS is coming to your community, take a look at the calendar on this site, or contact Julie at 1-800-357-0909.