The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County allocated $10,000 in March, 2005 to the Success By 6 Parent Lending Library project. These funds will purchase a minimum of 200 books and 10 libra ry display cubes for childcare centers serving children at-risk of school failure. Parents are encouraged to check books out on a daily basis. The Parent Lending Library project includes incentives for parents and children who read together routinely.

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, long time advocates of early childhood and literacy, has sponsored nine Parent Lending Libraries. A cash donation combined with a contribution of quality childrens books purchased with profits from the highly successful Pig Fest, will generously supply these libraries housed in Lakeland childcare centers. Jr. League volunteers will also support the project with time and talent by routinely reading to children in sponsored centers.

Success By 6 sponsors 21 Parent Lending Libraries in collaboration with businesses and civic organizations. Healthy Start Coalition, Republican Women's Club of Lakeland Federated and North Lakeland Kiwanis generously donated the first three libraries in 2004. Presbyterian Homes sponsored the first workplace library for their employees.

Success By 6 received a $500 Polk County Schools Service-Learning Mini-Grant. Approximately 160 books were given to the children of parents attending Parent Education classes in Auburndale, Lake Wales and Winter Haven. Additional books were added to Parent Lending Libraries in childcare sites hosting parent education classes.

The typical very low-income child has a vocabulary of only 3,000 words. The child prepared to enter kindergarten ready to succeed has a vocabulary of 20,000 words. Language skills are strong indicators of school success. Limited language skills can cripple the low-income child's ability to succeed in school. Success By 6 promotes early literacy programs that increase vocabulary, improve la nguage processing and boost the opportunity for success in school.

Good Beginnings Never End.

Thank you Early Learning Collation of Polk County, Junior League of Greater Lakeland and Polk County Schools for these 2005 donations!

Success By 6 - Helping Children Enter School Ready to Succeed.