"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development. Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential." 

-Kofi Anan

Former Secretary General, United Nations

Indian River County Celebrates Literacy

Having older kids read with younger kids is a great way to inspire a love of reading in young children

The Moonshot Moment is in full swing with activities all around the community to recognize the importance of Literacy Week!  Here are just a few of the events planned throughout the county:  

Thursday, September 12

Morning:  The Nemours BrightStart! screening van will be at pediatrician Dr. Susan O'Toole's office to perform developmental screenings of children ages 3-5 years old. By appointment only.

Evening: Dr. Laura Bailet, Executive Director of Nemours BrightStart!  will be at Quail Valley to conduct a continuing education dinner for physicians and their staff. The topic will be Current Science and Practical Tools for Physicians to Promote Childhood Reading Success.

Friday, September 13

7:45-11:30 a.m.  The Nemours BrightStart! bus will be conducting developmental readiness screenings at Citrus Elementary School for pre-school aged children.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Early Literacy Parent Workshop at Vero Beach Elementary for parents of children ages 3-5 years old. 

4:30-5:30 p.m.  Reading and the Brain, Teacher Training led by Nemours BrightStart! Executive Director Dr. Laura Bailet.

Saturday, September 14 

10 a.m.- 1 p.m.  The BrightStart! bus will be at Indian River Soccer Association's Family Fun Day to provide literacy information and book giveaways to children.

3-5 p.m.  Moonshot Moment Sports hosts a Family Pizza Party at Gifford Youth Activity Center with sports demonstrations, raffle prizes, book giveaways, FREE pizza and Kindergarten readiness tips from Nemours BrightStart!

Come on out and get involved in one of these exciting events!  For more details on Literacy Week events, contact me at [email protected] or visit:

A Case for Literacy 

The national unemployment rate for non-high school graduates is 13% compared with only 4% for college graduates

85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate 

More than 70% of inmates in America's prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level

Simple early learning literacy screenings in kindergarten show that 1 in 4 children are at-risk for failure unless something is done to intervene

Research-based literacy programs implemented for at-risk children have proven successful and enduring, catching those 'at risk' up to their peers

-Source: The Optimistic Futurist: A brighter beginning for 'at risk' kids, Francis P. Koster