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Children's Literacy Initiative

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Children's Literacy Initiative

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Check out our podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/a675df3d-b42c-4df3-88e2-b61562c323a8

Children’s Literacy Initiative empowers school leaders and teachers to transform instruction so that every child can become powerful readers, writers, and thinkers. We invest in schools by providing training and coaching to teachers and administrators and quality children’s books to classrooms. We work school by school—pre-kindergarten through third grade—to strengthen instruction and create a culture of literacy. We develop a Model Classroom in each grade level, supporting consecutive years of high-impact literacy instruction for students.

10/10/2026

Our From the Very Beginning campaign continues as we introduce another star in CLI’s constellation: Maria Burns!

A former classroom teacher, Maria brings both deep expertise and a genuine belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported as they grow. Her story reminds us that behind strong literacy systems are people committed to helping educators, and the children they teach, thrive.

Visit our campaign page to learn more about CLI’s work and discover how you can be part of the constellation.

💫What does your literacy constellation look like? Tell us in the comments by sharing a book, a teacher, or a place that shaped your journey as a reader.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4zngkyO

10/06/2026

No child becomes a reader alone and no educator transforms literacy experiences without strong partnerships surrounding them.

Today, we’re launching From the Very Beginning, CLI’s fall fundraising and awareness campaign exploring the constellation of people, relationships, expertise, and support that helps children grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

We’re beginning by introducing one of the stars in CLI’s constellation: Amber Haynes, Associate Director of School Partnerships and Support.

Amber’s journey—from elementary teacher and reading specialist to instructional leader and national education consultant—shapes how she works alongside schools and districts today. Her approach begins with listening, builds on each community’s strengths, and helps educators and leaders turn their vision into sustainable practice.

Swipe through to meet Amber and learn what meaningful partnership looks like from her perspective.

Then, join the campaign:
✔️Learn more about CLI’s constellation of support.
✔️Support the constellation and help CLI continue working alongside educators and communities.
✔️Share your story: Tell us in the comments about a book, teacher, or place that shaped your journey as a reader.
Visit the campaign link https://bit.ly/4763N6U to learn more or make a gift.

09/08/2026

Today, on International Literacy Day, we celebrate the power of literacy to open doors to learning, imagination, opportunity, and possibility.

At Children’s Literacy Initiative, we believe every child deserves to experience the joy and power of seeing themselves as a reader, writer, and thinker. That starts with educators who have the knowledge, tools, and support to create classrooms where every child can thrive.

Today and every day, we’re proud to work alongside educators, school leaders, families, and communities who are helping children build the skills—and the confidence—to find their voices and shape their futures.

Literacy lights the way.

08/26/2026

Today, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dolly Parton. She was a storyteller whose belief in the power of books opened new worlds for millions of children.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, more than 330 million books have been gifted to children around the world, helping generations of young readers build home libraries, discover the joy of reading, and imagine what is possible for their futures.

Dolly once said, “I want to be known more for books, than looks in my life.”
Among her many remarkable accomplishments, we are grateful that she chose to make literacy such an enduring part of her legacy.

Thank you, Dolly, for believing so deeply in children, in books, and in the dreams that begin when the two come together

08/26/2026

A new school year is here. 💙

With it comes new relationships to build, new challenges to navigate, and new opportunities to help children learn, grow, and discover what they are capable of.

Student success is strengthened by an entire community: teachers, school leaders, families, staff, coaches, and so many others who show up every day in support of children.

To all of our educators and school communities, thank you for the care, commitment, and energy you bring to this work.

Wishing you an inspired school year filled with connection, growth, and possibility!

08/17/2026

As Berkeley County Schools prepares for the year ahead, its leaders are doing more than setting goals. They’re creating the conditions to lead with greater intention.

Earlier this summer, CLI welcomed new and new-to-the-district principals for a two-day New Leader Institute focused on one essential question: How can school leaders protect more time for the work that matters most?

Together, leaders explored practical strategies for balancing operational demands, strengthening instructional leadership, providing meaningful feedback, and building focused 30-60-90-day plans.

One participant reflected:

“As a veteran educational leader with extensive K-12 experience, this institute has tooled me with strategies and models to ensure I have more time to be a better instructional leader of my school.”

We’re proud to continue our partnership with Berkeley County Schools as they invest in leaders and build the conditions for strong teaching and meaningful learning.

07/23/2026

A special thank you to each of our sponsors. Events like Literacy Lights the Way are only possible because of partners who believe deeply in children, educators, and families. Your generosity helped create an evening filled with celebration, connection, and hope.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to our Literacy Lights the Way raffle winners!

We hope you enjoy your book collections, Lakeshore shopping experience, and catered meal from 12th Street Catering.

Thank you to everyone who purchased popcorn, entered the raffle, and supported Children's Literacy Initiative throughout the evening.

Every ticket purchased helps create brighter futures through literacy.

07/20/2026

What an incredible evening.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Literacy Lights the Way at Love City Brewing! Together we celebrated a year of impact, heard inspiring stories from classrooms and communities, connected with friends old and new, and reaffirmed our shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, partnered with us, and helped make the evening possible.

The work continues because of a community like this.

Thank you for helping us light the way.

07/14/2026

The celebration comes with a few extra surprises.

Guests at Literacy Lights the Way: Pop, Pour & Celebrate will have a chance to win raffle prizes from generous local and education-centered partners. Prizes include:

📚 Lakeshore Learning: Breakfast and an early access private shopping experience at the King of Prussia store, with personalized support for your classroom or home.

🍽️ 12th Street Caterers: A catered meal for up to 10 guests, perfect for family celebrations, holidays, or special occasions.

Join us Thursday, July 16, as we celebrate literacy, educators, community, and the stories your support helps make possible.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4ykuCRh

Address

990 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA
19123

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://linktree.com/cliupdates

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