About the Initiative
In order to provide support to families, caregivers, and providers, we have developed the Building Blocks for Families campaign to equip Cobb County with the tools it needs to provide accessible resources for all. It is essential that all children have access to the tools they need to succeed, and we are here to help!
As the local point of contact for the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, the Collaborative and our members have targeted early literacy as an urgent priority. Reading proficiency by the end of 3rd grade is a critical milestone toward high-school graduation and success later in life because it marks the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”
Students who have not mastered reading by 3rd grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school and struggle throughout their lives. This has significant and long-term consequences for children, families and communities because low achievement in reading affects our economy, our safety, and our health.
In partnership, we have developed individual and environmental strategies to support the four-pillar framework of the Get Georgia Reading Campaign and look forward to increasing awareness and support for reading proficiency.
If you are interested in partnering with this initiative, or are looking for resources, continue reading to view our current partners as well as the resources that are available to families and caregivers. For more information, or to sign up for our newsletter, email us at communications@cobbcollaborative.org
Resources
Birth Outcomes
The road to reading proficiency starts long before a child enters a classroom. It starts with expectant mothers receiving pre- and post-natal care. Premature birth can lead to long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities for babies. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he is to have health problems. Finding and treating health problems as early as possible — and preventing premature birth overall — can help babies lead longer, healthier lives. Programs that assist expectant parents with physical and emotional supports help not just mothers, but set children on a path for success in school.
Language Development
Early language exposure is among the strongest predictors of third-grade reading proficiency. Language development is the foundation for children’s social, emotional, and mental health development—and academic ability.
Mental Health
Many children deal with stressors outside of school, which impact their ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. Poverty, school climate, neglect, divorce, illness, anxiety, and many other factors impact children's mental health, and therefore, impact acquisition of language, social emotional development and resiliency. School counselors, psychologists and social workers are an important part of the support system for children experiencing a mental health issue.