MRCPL is partnering with the United Way of Richland County to offer Ready4K, an evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered via text messages and developed by educational researchers.

According to Ready4K, “Each week, parents and caregivers receive fun facts and easy tips on how to promote their children’s development by building on existing family routines – like pointing out letters on the cereal box at breakfast, counting the number of steps as you walk to the car or bus, or making feeling faces in the mirror after you brush your teeth. In a series of randomized controlled trials, this approach has been shown to increase child development by 2 to 3 months over the course of a school year.”

The resource is available for free in Richland County through United Way and an Equity Grant of $2,995 from Ready4K. The grant will cover the first 500 people to register. United Way is currently raising additional funds to provide the service free to Richland County this and next year.