Kindergarten Readiness

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Wake County Public Libraries (WCPL) is dedicated to supporting kindergarten readiness for our youngest residents. Storytime, our core program for young children, offered 200 times each week, incorporates pre-literacy skills providing a foundation for future reading success. More than 1.5 million attendees participated in Storytime since 2015. WCPL continually assesses and designs experiences supporting a successful launch to kindergarten. Acknowledging achievement gaps in student performance related to lower socioeconomics and limited access to prekindergarten experiences, WCPL designed fun and educational programs to better serve young children in vulnerable communities. • Ready Set School Playdates: Started in 2016 and offered monthly in partnership with Marbles Children’s Museum, WCPL brings these award-winning playdates to families who might not otherwise have access to the museum’s resources. WCPL has offered this program 338 times with attendance of 4,657. • ABC Craft and Learn: Children and caregivers participate in a simulated preschool classroom experience, focusing on pre-literacy, fine motor and social skills. Begun in 2017, this program has been offered 892 times with attendance of 8,292. • Hooray for Pre-K!: Special events featuring guest artists, performers and activities providing enrichment focusing on art, music, and science. Since beginning in 2017, the program has offered 70 events with 1,745 attending.