Chicago Early Literacy Enrichment

We focus on early literacy skills, fostering habits of focus and persistence, and social-emotional learning in small group settings. Teachers report stable or increased attendance on program days, and students gain confidence reading books and their own work aloud. Our curricula are structured, research-informed, and designed to support classroom and program partner goals.

Developed in partnership with local educators and faculty from the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Literacy, the University of Chicago, DePaul University, and Northeastern University, our classroom curricula help students learn to read and write in a fun, engaging way.   

Since COVID, SitStayRead has begun working with experts from Head Start, the Chicago Public Schools Literacy team, Chicago Public Library’s Department of Children and Families, and other community partners to examine how we can best continue to evolve as part of a larger ecosystem of efforts aimed at making Chicago a 100% literate city.

Program staff regularly review curricula for each level and are currently revising the dual language second-grade curricula to serve children on a continuum of bilingualism.

SitStayRead provides Chicago early literacy programs in South and Westside Chicago neighborhoods where the student population is typically 90% from low-income households and 70% or more third graders score below the national reading average. While there is currently a waitlist for our K-2nd grade classroom residencies, we partner with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Public Library branches, and community organizations to reach more students both in school and through special one-time classroom visits and family literacy events in our priority communities.

Our new early childhood summer programs for families with children 0-5, launched in 2025, are held in partnership with Enlace, New Moms, and VOCEL, and are aimed at fostering language-rich home environments and helping set families up for a strong start in kindergarten. Summer programs are held in Austin, Englewood, and Little Village where we serve CPS schools in the school year.

At SitStayRead, we combine structured literacy enrichment with social-emotional learning and the calming presence of Certified Reading Assistance Dogs. With over 23 years of experience, we focus on relationship-building, measurable classroom impact, and joyful learning experiences that help children see themselves as confident, curious, collaborative members of a learning community.

There are many ways to support our mission, our work, and our students. 

Volunteering: As a Dog Team handler or Book Buddy, volunteers can join SitStayRead in 6-8 week classroom residencies, as well as one-time visits and public events. Volunteers do not need a dog to participate!  Spanish-speaking volunteers are a great asset in many schools, even when a class is predominantly English speaking. Learn more about volunteering. 

Donating: There are many ways to raise funds and many ways to donate. 

You can give as once or as recurring monthly donor, donate through a donor-advised fund, make a tribute gift, sponsor an event, or host a book drive. We also welcome corporate partnerships and encourage donors to seek their employers’ support with matching gifts or grants for volunteer time off (VTO). Every contribution supports literacy programming for Chicago children.