Read to Succeed Buffalo (RTSB) is renewing its partnership with Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO) to deliver its CARE Preschool literacy infusion quality improvement program at its East Ferry Head Start site serving three- and four-year-old children. 

CAO aids low-income individuals, families, and communities by providing access to resources they need to succeed. CAO is the largest provider of Head Start services in Erie County. Read to Succeed Buffalo’s CARE Preschool provides an early literacy intervention specialist who works in partnership with CAO’s Head Start teachers and administrators to measurably improve classroom environments and student literacy skill development.

“As the largest provider of Head Start services in our area, Community Action Organization is a leader in the early care and education community,” said RTSB Executive Director Anne Ryan. “During our pilot implementation last year, CAO instructors were very receptive to the CARE Preschool literacy coaching model.  Everyone at the East Ferry site is focused on being the best they can be for our youngest learners – they know that they are providing the critical foundation for a lifetime of learning for these children.”

CARE Preschool was created from an Early Reading First initiative that embeds a dual-certified, early care and education specialist in classrooms to model best practices, observe and assess students and partner with the teaching teams to ensure high-quality, evidence-based instruction at all levels. 

"After a successful pilot program during the past school year, the decision to renew and expand our partnership with Read to Succeed Buffalo was an obvious choice," stated Thomas Kim, CEO of Community Action Organization of WNY. "The ability to read is a crucial skill, and Head Start plays a fundamental role in providing the necessary foundation for these children to achieve future success both academically and beyond. We have witnessed significant growth in our classrooms and among our students. In an end-of-year survey, one of our teachers expressed, 'Read to Succeed has empowered me to delve deeper when planning lessons and activities for our children. I have never felt such strong support, which enables me to bring out the best in my teaching methods and ensure the growth and development of our students.'"