Thousands of free-reading programs are open across the city and more are springing up, but parents have to start looking now if they want their kids signed up for next fall, say experts.
The dismal reading test scores, and the cry for stricter standards, have mobilized charities, nonprofit groups, the city and the Board of Ed to fund programs.
Parents can find them at their child’s school, neighborhood library, YMCA, and at city housing development community centers, which across the city offer reading programs to 6,000 kids.
“The trend for more after-school reading programs is on an upswing,” said Lucy Friedman, president of the After-School Corp. “But it’s not enough – we still have waiting lists.”
“The programs vary and some are not too good,” said Richard Shupunoff of Literary Inc. “Parents have to be real consumers.
“Some after-school programs can’t afford certified teachers and hire college kids.”
Parents can call Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew’s literacy hot line – 718-246-READ – where they can find the reading program in their neighborhood.
Another big city push is Project Read, which tutors more than 130,000 kids.
But it only helps kids who are in dire need and are selected by their teachers or school principal. There are no plans to add more money to the $125 million city program.
“Project Read is not big enough,” said Jim Marley, senior vice president for Pius XII, which operates a reading program with 65 kids in The Bronx.
The United Way and the Board of Ed fund reading programs such as Pius XII at 159 city schools, which tutor more than 14,000 kids.