Rockford’s Brightpoint Crisis Nursery helps families in need with literacy program

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - After launching its early literacy program in October, staff with Brightpoint, formerly Children’s Home + Aid, say it’s been rewarding to see the progress they’re making in kids' lives.

The program is an extension of Brightpoint’s Rockford Crisis Nursery and promotes literacy skills in children up to age six.

Supervisor Stephanie Brock says when families are in crisis, learning tends to be left behind.

“They are forgetting about the importance of getting on the floor and playing with their little ones, singing songs to them, reading books,” Brock said.

The nursery hired Stephanie Bush as its early literacy specialist thanks to a grant from the United Way of Rock River Valley.

The Early Literacy Program invites interested parents to participate in one-hour weekly home visits with Bush where she helps the children build specific skills.

During each visit, families engage in hands-on literacy activities to learn about their child’s development. Families also receive books they can read to their kids.

“Reading, writing, singing, playing, then I usually have a handout from PAT, (parents as teachers) and we talk about the child’s development and wellbeing,” said Bush.

Five to seven families are currently benefitting from Bush’s help.

“I hope that we are able to add more literacy specialists in the community and provide more books and literacy nights to the community. I think it’s so important,” said Bush.

The program is meant to help young children develop a love for reading and learning at home while preparing to enter school. Parents benefit from this too because it empowers them to embrace their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.

If you or a loved one need emergency childcare or are in an unstable condition you can visit Rockford Crisis Nursery’s website here.

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