An initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Every Child Reads
Reading proficiency by third grade is the most important predictor of high school graduation and career success.
Yet every year, 80% of low-income children each year miss this crucial milestone. We work across the seven-county Dubuque region to break down barriers to academic achievement in and out of the classroom and build a foundation for lifelong success.
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Our Network
A Regional Approach to Child Well-Being
Every Child Reads is a regional network of partners, including educators, parents and civic leaders, who put the academic success and well-being of children first. Our program coordinators serve:
Dubuque | Info Sheet
Dyersville | Visit Page
Jackson County | Visit Page
Jones County | Visit Page
Upcoming Events
“Many students come to school with a lot of struggles in their lives, and teachers like me are helping them cope with those challenges while also teaching them."
Reading Proficiency and Absenteeism in Dubuque Public Schools
35.9%
K-12 students not proficient in reading*
41.9%
Third-graders not proficient in reading*
4x
Students who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers**
6x
The graduation failure rate for children who cannot read proficiently and are poor for at least one year is more than six times the rate for all proficient readers**
27.4%
K-12 students chronically absent*
Opportunities
Be Part of the Change
Supporting children's success takes the entire community.
Featured Opportunity
Discover Your Summer Adventure
Summer learning in Dubuque is exciting! Check out a a list of and sign up for an array of enriching summer programs for kids, from hiking to science, sports to arts.
Learning opportunities
Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book
The Kids Count Data Book offers a state-by-state look at key indicators of child wellness.
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Sesame Street in Communities
Parents, caregivers and providers can find free resources that support children's well-being.
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Every Child Reads Community Solutions Action Plan
Our plan outlines how we will support third-grade reading proficiency through school readiness, summer learning and school attendance.
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Resources
10 Tips to Foster Strong Readers at Home
Home is one of the most important places for supporting literacy. Download our tip sheets in English, Spanish and Marshallese to find ideas for your home!
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Infusing Literacy Into Your Programs
Anyone running an extracurricular program can easily help support reading proficiency! Download this handy guide to see how easy it it.
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Vision To Learn
Vision To Learn launched in January 2016 with Community Foundation support to increase access to vision care for students. It has expanded statewide and provided 8,000 free eye exams and 6,000 pairs of glasses.
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“When children learn to love reading, they pass that love on to their younger siblings and friends. It all starts with making sure they have books.”
Our Commitment to Children
We mobilize community partners and generous supporters to understand and tackle barriers to academic success, including access to resources and social-emotional needs.
Give Now
Find out how you can play a role in Every Child Reads.