missouri humanities council

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Missouri Non-Profits Can Request READ from the START Programs from the Missouri Humanities Council

January 4, 2010

PROGRAM CONTACT:
Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist »

ST. LOUIS, MO – The Missouri Humanities Council is now scheduling no cost, local sessions of its READ from the START program. The Council provides sessions to approximately 120 organizations each year. The two-session program offers training for parents of pre-school children to share the joy of reading and storytelling.

Research shows that the toddler’s brain develops in response to language and stories. The READ from the START program not only shows parents what to do, but it provides a set of free books. The program works through local organizations such as Head Start, Parents As Teachers, libraries, etc. Such organizations may apply now to schedule a program in 2010. Last year, READ from the START reached more than 1,700 families at 120 sites throughout the state.

Attendees read and discuss the same books that they will take home to their children and learn techniques to continue story exploration, such as crafts, songs and dramatic play. The two 90 minute READ from the START sessions are led by local certified discussion leaders.

Non-profit organizations are invited to request a READ from the START program with forms available at www.readfromthestart.org or by contacting the Missouri Humanities Council at 800-357-0909. Programs are being scheduled now for January through October 2010. Programs are free for the sponsoring organizations, and the Missouri Humanities Council provides a certified discussion leader, program materials, promotional materials and assistance necessary for creating a successful READ from the START program.

“READ from the START helps provide families with the resources to begin sharing the joy of reading at an early age,” says Julie Douglas, Missouri Humanities Council family program specialist, “Reading and telling stories to a young child is one of the most important things a parent can do to lay a solid foundation for the child’s future learning.”

About the Missouri Humanities Council
The Missouri Humanities Council was founded in 1971 as an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It serves to act as a catalyst for cultural organizations, helping them to connect with people and communities in dynamic ways that spark the deep excitement for story and learning that builds character, intellect and understanding.

The Missouri Humanities Council is recognized for its partnerships that make humanities institutions and programs more dynamic. The Council supports these cultural organizations through a variety of means including consultative training, mentoring, grants, exhibit tours, literature and other resources. The Council also sponsors the annual Governor’s Humanities Awards which acknowledge individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions in the humanities. More information about the many projects of MHC can be found on the Council Web site at www.mohumanities.org or by calling 1-800-357-0909.

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