Kids Count Aims to Address the Literacy Gap
Safe spaces, fun activities, and trustworthy adults are all key components of a successful afterschool program like those run by Kids Count in Alachua County. These components are just the beginning for Kids Count, though, as the organization aims to help its’ students get on track with reading and literacy.
Every room that Kids Count uses for their afterschool program is equipped with a fully stocked reading corner complete with cozy seating and shelves of books for children to choose from. The reading corners are designed to make reading as appealing as possible to students with imagination-inspiring books and extra-comfy seating that is reserved only for use while reading. Funding from the Children’s Trust of Alachua County has enabled Kids Count to provide services to all children in their program completely free of charge. Since August 2020, the Children’s Trust has invested a total of $889,998 in Kids Count which includes both afterschool programs and summer camp. Each year Kids Count serves 70-90 children for afterschool programming.
Allysen Marks, executive director of Kids Count, explained that improving literacy rates is the main reason why Kids Count was founded back in 2007. Back then, members of the community noted significant differences in reading achievement on the northeast side of town compared to the northwest side of town.
“They noticed that students on this side of town weren’t reading on grade level and were not ever getting caught up.” Marks said.
Kids Count in Alachua County currently operates two afterschool programs, both on the northeast side of Gainesville. The program has been largely successful in improving students’ literacy rates. Marks credits the success to the dedication of her team of staff and volunteers that keep Kids Count running.
Each week at Kids Count, students spend two days receiving literacy tutoring. Students who need more help are assigned a one-on-one tutor and students who are able to work more independently are assigned groups. This time dedicated to literacy as well as a community focus have been key components of the program’s success.
Many families of children at Kids Count make far below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, Marks shared, and there is high number of children in foster or kinship care. Staff at Kids Count are encouraged to be curious about a child’s life and the struggles they may be facing outside of school that impact their academic performance.
“A kid can’t focus on reading if they’re hungry” said Marks, “There’s so much that these kids go through outside of school and their families, too.”
Kids Count helps support families in their community by getting to know each child, and each family, on a personal level. This personal relationship helps staff show families that they are all on the same team with the shared goal of their child’s success. All monthly field trips, supplies, and snacks are provided free of charge to children as well.
“In a way we are partnering with them,” Marks said, “ We honor them as an expert of their kids so they don’t feel judged — only supported.”
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S TRUST OF ALACHUA COUNTY
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County funds and supports a coordinated system of community services that allows all children, youth and their families to thrive. Its funded programs and partnerships address three main goals: that all children and youth are healthy and have nurturing caregivers, can learn what they need to be successful, and live in a safe community.
ChildrensTrustOfAlachuaCounty.us | @ChildrenAlachua
Written by Amalie Bethune, Program Specialist
