EARLY CHILDHOODREADY TO LEARNSPACES
Ready to Learn Spaces are “community living rooms,” stocked with toys, learning tools, and books. Geared toward children ages 0-5, the resources in the spaces can be used by any community member. Each space will have its own schedule for story times, programs, and special opportunities.
PLACES TO LEARN
Imagine grabbing a book while getting a haircut, reading while waiting at the laundromat, or curling up with a story at your community center.
As a collective effort to nurture early learning and healthy childhood development in the Rockford area, the Ready to Learn Movement, in partnership with Illinois Action for Children, has installed Ready to Learn Spaces across Rockford at locations that families are often at together.
Each space is filled with books and hands-on activities to spark curiosity and a love of learning. Plus, these locations are carefully chosen to support areas where the Early Development Instrument (EDI) has identified resource needs, focusing on neighborhoods around our Strong Schools.
STORIES TOGETHER
SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR SPACES
Family-friendly reading times and programming are happening every month at Ready to Learn Spaces across Rockford
Ready to Learn Space Story-Time
Ready to Learn Space Story-Time
GET INVOLVED
with Ready to Learn Spaces
Connect with the Ready to Learn Spaces
Business Owner interested in hosting your own Ready to Learn Space?
Educator or Community Member interested in helping host storytimes, family events, or other activities at the Ready to Learn Spaces?
Donor interested in helping to support the Ready to Learn Space initiative?
THE COMMUNITY SAYS
“A young kid came in to get his hair braided, walked over to the Ready to Learn space, and picked a book to read while getting his hair done.” – Melissa Santillan, Exquisite LX
“I’m happy to have a space where children feel respected and safe.” – Kevin Marks, Kingdom Cutz
At Northwest Community Center, Nichol Fricks has seen older kids using the space as a calming area, often reading to younger children and creating a special learning bond.
“Families are always welcome to visit and explore—because every moment can be a learning moment.” – Nichol Fricks
SUPPORT EARLY CHILDHOOD
WHAT IS READY TO LEARN?
Ready to Learn is a community-wide early childhood initiative comprised of organizations, businesses, and individuals. To learn more about our partnerships, visit our Partners and Sponsors page.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Be a part of the Ready to Learn Initiative! Host a Ready to Learn Space, become a facilitator for family classes, or help us reach more families!
HOW CAN I SUPPORT?
DONATE! Research shows the return on investment for early childhood is higher than any other age group. For every dollar invested in early childhood, $13 is saved in intervention.