Read Right from the Start is an online training program for teachers of children from birth to eight years of age. This research-based professional development program contains interactive, video-based coursework, which is focused on practical strategies teachers can use to promote young children’s language and literacy.
Read Right From the Start on Cox Campus
A key partner in our efforts to promote early literacy in the state of Alabama is the Atlanta Speech School’s Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, which works to bring the School’s 80-year expertise in constructing the reading brain to early childhood educators, parents, and others who interact with young children. With generous partner investments, the Atlanta Speech School has developed Read Right from the Start (RRFTS) on the school’s online Cox Campus. Read Right from the Start on Cox Campus synthesizes the work of the nation’s leading literacy experts and provides free, online access to research-based professional development for teachers of children from birth to eight years of age. This interactive, video-based coursework is focused on practical strategies teachers can use to promote young children’s language and literacy.
Read Right From The Start in Alabama Early Care and Education Classrooms
From birth, young children need strong relationships with adults who engage them in conversation and celebrate their use of language. More conversations lead to stronger brain connections, closer relationships, and a solid foundation for language development and all learning, including reading. That is why the Alabama Partnership for Children is partnering with the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy to introduce Read Right From the Start (RRFTS) into Alabama early care and education settings. In multiple areas of the state and through multiple early learning systems, the APC is developing the capacity of mentors/coaches to assist with the implementation of early literacy in all early childhood settings. Early Literacy RRFTS Facilitators are working with multiple child care programs in their areas to support implementation of the RRFTS initiative to include content from the online training (Cox Campus), onsite modeling and coaching, technical assistance, and evaluation of changes made that positively impact young children’s language, cognitive, and social/emotional development. Who should apply to participate?
Anyone working with children from birth to pre-k in the state of Alabama, who wishes to enhance their skills to help children develop strong language and literacy skills.
How does Read Right from the Start work?
First register to participate using the Intake Application online form below. Once you submit this application, you will be automatically directed to the Cox Campus website to complete your registration, and begin taking the online courses. Choose the track most relevant to you (infants/toddlers OR pre-k), and start learning!
Are there any incentives?
Yes. Currently we are offering incentives up to $200 for 10 hours of completed courses on Cox Campus for child care professionals. Choose the track of courses that most closely aligns with the age of the children you teach.
If you have previously been paid $100 for the completion of 5 hours, then you can take 5 additional hours of coursework on Cox Campus and earn an additional $100.
If you have not been paid yet, you can complete 10 hours of coursework on Cox Campus and earn a total of $200. Remember that one of the courses must be a Power of Language course (there are 2 options available).
Participants will submit a copy of their Cox Campus transcript to the Alabama Partnership for Children at rrfts@apcteam.org. This incentive is conditional upon the availability of funds. Preliminary application for incentive is at the bottom of the web page.
- To increase the education and effectiveness of early childhood professionals, child care workers and parents to help develop the foundational language and literacy skills from the moment even before a baby is born
- To raise awareness of the value of the early childhood education profession, and the value to the community when all children have the best developmental start in life
- To enhance the quality of early learning settings throughout Alabama
- To promote professionalism and ongoing professional development
- To decrease the turnover rate in early learning settings
Participants:
- More training and education leading to greater outcomes for child development
- Professional contacts and networks are developed
- The ability to mentor others, including parents, so the developmental activities can become a part of every moment every day for the child
- To be a hero in the community by helping close the achievement gap, so that ALL Alabama children will enter school prepared for success
Sponsoring Programs:
- Enhancement of the quality of their early learning programs
- Enhancement of the quality of the staff
- Forming stronger relationships with parents and caregivers
- Reduced staff turnover
Children and Parents:
- Trust that your child’s teachers are well-trained and educated in early developmental and educational strategies
- Confidence in the knowledge of their child’s important developmental milestones
- Knowledge of resources for language and literacy development, and the ability to recognize any developmental delays early
- Strengthening the bond between you and your child, not to mention the increase in fun watching your child progress and interact with you
In order to be eligible to receive the incentive:
- Must work at a licensed child care / early childhood learning facility, or family child care home in Alabama.
- Must complete the incentive intake application below.
- Must complete 5 to 10 hours of course work on coxcampus.org. You may select either the Infants and Toddlers track, or the Preschool and Pre-K track
- Must include completion of one of the “Power of Language” courses among the required 5-hour minimum. There are 2 versions of the course from which to choose.
- Must submit completed Cox Campus transcript to Alabama Partnership for Children at rrfts@apcteam.org
- Must submit a completed W-9 form
- Must submit a current (within the last 30 days) pay stub with the name of the child care facility displayed.
Note: A maximum of $200 can be earned per qualifying individual. Once all items are received, allow up to 60 days for processing
You may take as many courses as you like — they are free! And you can take them at your own pace. The videos are formatted to be easy to view, and in short segments.
Major funding for this incentive program is provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health; and by private funding from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation, the Protective Life Foundation, the PNC Foundation, and the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation.
This project was made possible by grant number 90TP0065-01-00. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Incentive Intake Application
Participant Resources
