About the Initiative
The Cobb Collaborative is engaging all stakeholders in a community-wide reading initiative that unites families, educators and community partners to improve children’s literacy from birth to third grade. As one of many solutions to improving outcomes for children and families, improved literacy has been proven to directly influence the opportunities and successes of a child's life.
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! Learn more about getting involved.
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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.
Resources
Building Blocks for Families is a holisitic approach to child and family well-being: that means starting at the very beginning and continuing the narrative throughout every stage of development.
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.
Want to get involved with literacy improvement efforts in Cobb County?
Sign Up for the Get Georgia Reading newsletter
Join the Marietta Partnership for Literacy Team
Sponsor a child through Ferst Readers of Cobb County
Collect gently-loved books for distribution
Volunteer to read with a child
Volunteer at a local school book fair
Build a teacher's classroom library
Sponsor a Little Free Library in your neighborhood