Programs & Services

The vision of the Early Literacy Program (ELP) is to serve as the infrastructure and foundation for all literacy programs in the county, and to connect literacy programs to funding resources and trained readers. All of the literacy programs that ELP supports do the following:

  • Model for parents how to read to their children and provide information about why literacy is important.
  • Put books into children’s hands to increase the number of books present in their homes.
  • Link trained volunteers to reach out to children and parents in their communities.

ELP has been instrumental in expanding successful county-wide literacy programs, such as:

Reach Out and Read (ROR) - As a national early literacy program, ROR has made a significant impact on increasing early literacy among children and families. The program involves pediatricians and volunteers who promote early literacy by informing parents about its importance and providing books during every well-child visit. ELP is supporting the program at clinics throughout Orange County.  Click here to view our ROR sites.

Raising A Reader® - The Raising A Reader® mission is to foster healthy brain development, parent-child bonding and early literacy skills critical for school success by engaging parents in a routine of daily “book cuddling” with their children from birth to age five. Each week, Raising A Reader children bring home a sturdy red bag filled with four high-quality, developmentally-appropriate, multi-cultural children’s books. Over the course of the program year, the children and their families are exposed to a wide range of titles, providing them with both a mirror reflecting their own world and a window to the world beyond.

Volunteer Program

At the Early Literacy Program we have many different volunteer opportunities available to create a mutually beneficial and rewarding volunteer experience. Such as reading to children in pediatric clinic waiting rooms and  community events. You can also host a books drive or participate in our “Book Doctor” program in restoring used childrens books for the hands of children. For information on how to participate in our volunteer opportunities please click here for our volunteer page.

Event Request Form

The Early Literacy Program (ELP) is eager to support outreach and literacy events throughout Orange County. ELP can provide Readers and volunteers to read to children, literacy resources for parents, gently used books, and other literacy materials. If you are interested in ELP supporting your event, please follow the link to our interactive form here at least one month prior to the event.

Special Events Support

Dear Community Partner,

Thank you for your interest in the Early Literacy Program. We look forward to begin a part of your event.

Our participation is part of a larger commitment to provide support for programs that emphatize the importance of literacy and that help promote reading to children every day. We are grateful to you for your support in help us to archive this goal.

We ask that you provide a table and chairs for our readers and information about parking and location(e.g.,indoor,outdoor). Also, be sure to plan for the pick-up of requested books prior to the event (we will deliver if possible). And also remember to give us early notification of any changes to your planning that may impact our readers , or cancel the event 72 hours in advance. Finally, Please return all unused materials to the ELP office. ELP readers are available to read in 10-15 minutes increments with small group of children. Due to funding restraints the ELP readers cannot provide parent reading training or organize children or adult activities for participating agencies. Please contact your local school readiness coordinator at your school distract to discuss parent education classes.

Our readers DO:

  • Read to attentive children with parents present.
  • Distribute complimentary books to children provided by Early Literacy Program.
  • Distribute materials and information to parents provided by Early Literacy Program.
  • Participate in activities provided or planned by Early Literacy Program.


Our readers DO NOT:

  • Watch unattended children.
  • Diagnose learning or medical problem.


We thank you for including us in your event and we hope to continue our support of your organization through our mission.