Strengthening the Foundation

Children finishing third grade reading at grade level are prepared to read to learn in fourth grade and have a higher likelihood of continuing their reading development and successfully graduate high school. This is Every Child Can Read’s goal for all Wayne County students.

Develop Reading Skills

Promote Literacy

Build Confident Kids

Improve Your Community

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Why This Is Important

Despite best efforts, approximately 30% of Richmond students do not pass the third- grade ISTEP+ Language Arts (Reading) test – the first in the series of statewide ISTEP+ tests.

Every Child Can Read’s programs focused on 6-9 year olds help kindergarteners to third graders build their preliteracy skills so they can meet important benchmarks and\ read at grade level by third grade. These efforts result in improved school performance and increased likelihood of high school graduation.

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Program Goals

Increase reading performance.
Increase performance on standardized reading tests.
Increase positive attitude toward reading.

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How it Works

Every Child Can Read (ECCR) provides certified teachers trained in the Science of Reading to meet one on one and in small groups with children, kindergarten through third grade, who are struggling to meet their literacy benchmarks. In collaboration with local schools and youth serving organizations, ECCR staff meet with students to address their specific challenges.

After School

In partnership with Richmond Community Schools, ECCR provides free after school tutoring to identified students needing extra support. ECCR collaborates with local youth serving organizations who provide space for ECCR tutors to meet with students after school. When needed, ECCR will assist with membership fees to enable after school club attendance.

2025-26 After School Tutoring

Nettle Creek School Corporation
Hagerstown Elementary
1st & 2nd grade: 2:45-4pm Monday/Wednesday
3rd grade: 2:45-4pm Tuesday/Thursday
Northeastern Wayne School Corporation

Northeastern Elementary
Coming November 2026

Richmond Community Schools
Charles Elementary
Kindergartener TBD

Crestdale Elementary
Kindergarten: Monday/Wednesday
Fairview Elementary
Kindergarten: TBD
1st-3rd grade: TBD

Starr Elementary
Kindergarten: Wednesday/Friday
1st grade: Wednesday/Friday

Vaile Elementary
Kindergarten: Monday/Wednesday
ELL: TBD

Westview Elementary
Kindergarten: Monday/Wednesday
Youth Organizations
Boys & Girls Clubs

First Bank: 2-4pm Tuesday/3-5pm Thursday
Jeffers Unit: 3:15-5:15pm Tuesday/Thursday
McDaniel: TBD

Girls Inc. of Wayne County
3:15-5:15 Wednesday/Thursday

Summer

Summer support is available during summer break. Every Child Can Read (ECCR) sends information home through Richmond Community elementary schools in May. Parents and guardians can enroll their students to receive free summer tutoring at the following locations.

Locations for Summer 2025
Boys & Girls Club – Jeffers Unit TBA
Boys & Girls Club – First Bank Unit TBA
Girls Inc. of Wayne County TBA
Townsend Community Center TBA

English Language Learners

Students not only learning to read but learning to speak English bring unique, adaptive skills and have unique needs. In partnership with Amigos Latino Center and Earlham College, Every Child Can Read (ECCR) is offering a summer program focused on language acquisition and literacy.

The program will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday between July 14-25, 2025. Details will be available soon. Share your interest and we’ll send specifics when available.

Take the first step for your child’s future