The Best Reading and Family Engagement Programs for Children Ages 0–8

06.18.2025

Strong reading skills are the foundation for success—but they don’t develop in the classroom alone. The best reading programs for children begin early and include the whole family. That’s exactly what Raising a Reader offers: high-quality, research-backed reading and family engagement programs for children ages 0–8.

Whether you’re supporting toddlers, preschoolers, or early elementary students, our programs build home literacy routines that nurture a love of reading and a strong start in school.

Why Early Literacy and Family Engagement Matter

Children who are strong readers by third grade are more likely to graduate, thrive in school, and succeed long-term. But reading skills begin long before third grade—and they’re strongest when supported at home.

Today, only 41% of children under 5 are frequently read to. That’s why family reading programs are more important than ever.

What Makes Raising a Reader the Best Choice

✔ Weekly take-home books that build home libraries
✔ Guidance for parents and caregivers to make reading joyful
✔ Aligned with early learning and literacy standards
✔ Ideal for preschool literacy programselementary reading programs, and child care centers
✔ Proven to strengthen family engagement and student outcomes

A Program for Every Setting: From Toddlers to 2nd Grade

Raising a Reader works across settings—at home, in schools, and in community programs. Whether you’re implementing a reading program for toddlers or an elementary reading program to reinforce classroom learning, we support the full 0–8 early learning journey.

Our Classic Red Book Bag and Home Library programs are easy to implement and backed by decades of impact.

📘 Explore Raising a Reader’s Early Literacy Programs

Related Posts

09.29.2025 From the CEO

Family Engagement is Critical for Success

At Raising a Reader, we’ve always believed that family engagement is the cornerstone of children’s literacy and learning. Families are children’s first and most important teachers—long before they ever enter a classroom. Research continues to validate what we see every day: when parents and caregivers are empowered to share books and read together, ask questions, and engage in joyful conversations, ...

Read More
09.08.2025 Tips

How Schools Can Fund Raising a Reader and Boost Family Engagement

When schools and families partner on literacy, children thrive. Research shows that reading together at home builds stronger skills, a love of books, and readiness for school and life success. Raising a Reader makes this possible through two proven models: How to Fund Literacy Programs Like Raising a Reader The good news? Schools don’t need to find new money to ...

Read More