Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute

Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering and Inspiring Families to Read Together!

Why Raising A Reader?

Raising a Reader (RAR) Aspen to Parachute was founded in 2004 to eliminate the achievement gap that develops in the first five years of life when children do not hear enough language and/or have inadequate access to storybooks and read-aloud time with a parent or caregiver.  Our mission is to engage parents and children – newborn to five years old – in a routine of daily book sharing to foster brain development, parent-child bonding, and critical early literacy skills.

 The Aspen to Parachute region is considered a childcare “desert,” with estimates of 25% of children ages 0-5 in the area being cared for in informal home environments by parents and caregivers often due to a lack of family resources. Preschool slots are also limited in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys for our youngest children. The outcome of these limited early childhood experiences shows up in kindergarten with up to 40% of local children lacking the basic oral language skills necessary for reading and school success. 

Our Programming and Impact

Our multiple book programs provide support, resources, and high-quality books – all in the families' home language – to children ages 0-5 and their parents. Our two-generation parent outreach programs support kindergarten readiness and children and families' social and emotional health and well-being. These evidence-based programs are built on the foundational understanding that a child's brain is 90% developed by age five.  On average, 90% of families who participate in our programs said they increased reading aloud at home as a family.

To find out more about our programs go to www.rar4kids.org or click on Our Success tab for more detailed information.

Who We Serve

Book Programs--40 Preschools and Kindergartens=1400 children

Two-Generation Outreach Programs--10 Public Libraries + 2 Community Centers=180 children and their families

Two-Generation Outreach Summer Camps--4 Communities=120 children and their families

Parent Testimonials

"We enjoy the new books each week. I like that there are many cultures and places in the world represented in your books. The books that you provide are ones that we wouldn't necessarily check out at the library, so we are exposed to new ideas, language, and world views."

"Summer camp is very interesting and fun. I appreciate that parents are expected to attend and be involved. It is great that it is in Spanish which really helps me and other families feel a sense of belonging."

"It has motivated me as a parent to read at home more with my children. My children love to read now and are better at expressing themselves."