Our Programs

LINC provides a scaffolding of support that increases both children’s and parents’ access to literacy-building opportunities, raises expectations, generates an understanding of grade-level literacy skills, and provides simple reading strategies to support parents in helping their children, regardless of their own ability to read or speak English.

Family Programs

Reading Buddies Program

Older students are paired with K-2 grade students in the classroom for weekly one-hour reading sessions during or after school. The students read to each other, share a common experience and create positive relationships. Aligned with state standards and classroom curriculums, this inclusive program is for all students from the targeted grades, including special education pupils in CTT classes.



Great Grandreader Program

The Great Grand Reader Program is an inter-generational reading program designed to partner senior citizens in the community with second grade students. These one-on-one shared reading programs take place at local senior centers and create lasting bonds between generations.



Reading Celebrations Program

Each month LINC infuses the joy and importance of reading into our programs by incoroporating animal celebrations. Every month has a different literacy champion, such as the OWL (Our World of Literacy) in July and DEER (Drop Everything, Enjoy Reading) in December. These literacy champions can be found in our books, activities, and sometimes our animal mascots make an apperance to help us celebrate. LINC’s TIGER (Together In Getting Everyone Reading) program connects school administrators, teachers, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA’s) to conduct school-wide reading success programs. TIGER celebrations are anchored in month-long read-a-thons and celebrated with a trip to the Bronx Zoo!



School Capacity Building

In schools, LINC works to build strong parent/teacher collaborations. With organizations and early childhood centers, LINC provides professional development in how to conduct engaging read alouds, facilitate child-facing programs and deepen parent involvement at home. These trainings ensure the continuum of learning and strengthen the bond between parents, teachers and facilitators.



Early Childhood Capacity Building

LINC works with schools, early childhood centers and family-facing organizations to strengthen literacy learning environments. Teachers and facilitators who have access to high quality professional development are better able to serve their families, both children and caregivers.



 

School Programs

Reading Buddies Program

Older students are paired with K-2 grade students in the classroom for weekly one-hour reading sessions during or after school. The students read to each other, share a common experience and create positive relationships. Aligned with state standards and classroom curriculums, this inclusive program is for all students from the targeted grades, including special education pupils in CTT classes.



Great Grandreader Program

The Great Grand Reader Program is an inter-generational reading program designed to partner senior citizens in the community with second grade students. These one-on-one shared reading programs take place at local senior centers and create lasting bonds between generations.



Reading Celebrations Program

Each month LINC infuses the joy and importance of reading into our programs by incoroporating animal celebrations. Every month has a different literacy champion, such as the OWL (Our World of Literacy) in July and DEER (Drop Everything, Enjoy Reading) in December. These literacy champions can be found in our books, activities, and sometimes our animal mascots make an apperance to help us celebrate. LINC’s TIGER (Together In Getting Everyone Reading) program connects school administrators, teachers, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA’s) to conduct school-wide reading success programs. TIGER celebrations are anchored in month-long read-a-thons and celebrated with a trip to the Bronx Zoo!



School Capacity Building

In schools, LINC works to build strong parent/teacher collaborations. With organizations and early childhood centers, LINC provides professional development in how to conduct engaging read alouds, facilitate child-facing programs and deepen parent involvement at home. These trainings ensure the continuum of learning and strengthen the bond between parents, teachers and facilitators.



Early Childhood Capacity Building

LINC works with schools, early childhood centers and family-facing organizations to strengthen literacy learning environments. Teachers and facilitators who have access to high quality professional development are better able to serve their families, both children and caregivers.



 

Community Programs

Reading Everywhere Celebrations

Organize the community around enrichment activities that emphasize the message that, “Reading success is a community-held value.” Whether a simple blanket spread under a shady tree at the park, literacy street fairs or a costumed animal-themed literacy celebration at a local library, these events engage community members and help cultivate a culture of reading.



Book Drives and Distribution

Book drives and distribution supports reading everywhere. Reading everywhere means books everywhere! LINC strives to educate parents and help them build home libraries. LINC partners with community organizations, local businesses, independent schools, corporate sponsors and publishing houses to collect and distribute books to low-income families. With book at home, families are able to support reading routines and reinforce the importance of reading. Find out how you can participate.



Very Involved Parent Academy (VIP)

Parents are a powerful force. They are the backbone of the LINC model. Parents have the ability to shape and influence their children’s future. LINC’s Very Involved Parent Academy celebrates our parents who wish to take a greater role in shaping the future of their communities.



 

Collective Impact

Reads Initiative

The Pinkerton Foundation designated LINC as the lead partner for its innovative “Reads” initiatives. South Jamaica Reads and East New York Reads build a spectrum of services designed to provide continuous literacy support for children from birth through fifth grade. Started in 2013 and 2014 respectively, The Reads Initiatives are already showing promising results, including improved 3rd grade English Language Arts test scores, increased out-of-classroom literacy opportunities, and a surging awareness of the importance of reading. Our partners include, Jumpstart, City Year, Parent Child Home, Queens Library, Reach Out & Read, READ Alliance, Reading Partners, Springboard.



City’s First Readers

City’s First Readers, a New York City Council initiative coordinated by Literacy Inc., is a collaboration of nonprofits and libraries united to develop and deliver effective early childhood literacy programs in New York City. We empower parents, teachers, caregivers, and community institutions with the necessary tools to ensure that all children, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds, have a solid foundation to start school successfully, thrive academically and have the opportunity to succeed beyond their school years. Partners include Brooklyn Public Library, The Committee for Hispanic Children & Families, Inc., Jewish Child Care Association, Jumpstart, New York Public Library, Parent Child Home, Queens Library, Reach Out & Read, Video Interaction Project, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, and New Alternatives for Children.



Read The City

“Read the City” is an interactive bilingual multimedia campaign designed to raise awareness about the importance of early literacy and connect families to programming across the New York City. Featuring the beautiful illustrations created by Tomie Tomie DePaola, Paul O. Zelinsky, and Roxie Munro, Read the City’s past campaigns provided examples of how parents can integrate learning to daily activities. In addition to bus shelters and phone booths, this year’s multimedia campaign also incorporated messaging in daycare centers, pediatric offices, supermarkets, and hair salons, reaching even more families with children younger than five years old.