Make a difference in the life of a child.
We are recruiting volunteer tutors for the 2024-2025 school year. Join us to eliminate the reading gap and strengthen lives through the power of literacy and mentorship!
Check out this awesome video about us by clicking here!
Who We Are
ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative led by The Children’s Movement of Florida. We create meaningful experiences for volunteer mentors to support students from Pre-K to 3rd grade who may need extra help. Our model focuses on developing early literacy skills, building relationships and confidence, and reinforcing a love of reading.
​What We Hope to Achieve
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EARLY LITERACY: To improve students’ vocabulary and understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.​
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MENTORSHIP: To strengthen confidence, self-awareness, and empathy through a consistent relationship between mentors and students.
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LOVE OF READING: To reinforce a love of reading with high-quality books and engaging activities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
What We Do​
In Miami-Dade County, ReadingPals spend 1 hour per week working with students in grades Pre-K-3 from historically marginalized communities. We partner with schools and after-school programs to empower children with the necessary literacy skills and resources to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade, a milestone that is a significant indicator of a child’s future educational development. Uplift Literacy provides free mentoring sessions to cultivate every child’s full potential and assist in the transition from “learning to read to reading to learn.”
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Every student participating in our ReadingPals program receives a brand new, quality book every month of the school year to help build their at-home library and create a print-rich environment.
Why Volunteer
Volunteering with ReadingPals allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of children. Research shows that children who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to graduate high school, while those who do not are four times more likely to drop out. Your efforts help bridge the opportunity gap for children from marginalized communities, fostering their literacy skills, social-emotional development, and future opportunities. By building meaningful relationships and supporting early literacy, you contribute to lasting positive change in the community.
Join us in making a difference!
Requirements & How to Get Started
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Commit to one hour a week
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Undergo a Level II background check through Miami-Dade County Public Schools
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Submit a volunteer application on our website
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Complete one literacy instruction training session (Supplemental training are also available)
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Commit to one hour a week
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Undergo a Level II background check through Miami-Dade County Public Schools
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Submit a volunteer application on our website
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Complete one literacy training session (Supplemental/Optional trainings are also available)
Requirements & How to Get Started​​
2024-2025 Volunteer Sites and Session Times:
Google Map List of Partner School Sites
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Barbara Hawkins Elementary (19010 NW 37th Ave. Miami Gardens): Mondays-Thursdays - 8:30-9:30
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AT VOLUNTEER CAPACITY* BridgePrep Academy (13300 SW 120th St, Kendall): Mondays - Fridays- 11:30am-12:30pm
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Centro Mater East (418 SW 4th Avenue, 33130, East Little Havana): Mondays-Thursdays - 9:30-10:45am
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Centro Mater West (8298 NW 103rd St, Hialeah Gardens): Mondays & Wednesdays- 9:30am-10:30am
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Colonial Drive Elementary (Richmond Heights): Mondays & Wednesdays -9:35-10:50am
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David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center (15000 Bay Vista Blvd, North Miami): Tuesdays & Thursdays- 11:00-12:00pm
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David Lawrence Jr. PLC (12175 NE 12th Ct. North Miami, FL 33161): Mondays - Thursdays 10:00-11:00am
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AT VOLUNTEER CAPACITY* Little Wonders (9360 SW 164th St, Miami, FL 33157): Mondays and Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am
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M.A. Milam K-8 Center (Hialeah): Mondays & Thursdays 10:20am-11:20am
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Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8: Mondays-Thursdays - 10:00-11:00am
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Southside Preparatory Academy (45 SW 13th St, Downtown): Tuesdays - Fridays- 9:00am-10:00am
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The Motivational Edge (1550 NW 36th St, Allapattah): Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays- 3:00-4:00pm
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The Home Team (5800 SW 66th St, South Miami, FL 33143): Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm
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Treasure Island Elementary (7540 E Treasure Dr, North Bay Village): Tuesdays & Thursdays- 9:00-11:00am
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AT VOLUNTEER CAPACITY* Tiny Tots and Learning Center (18901 SW 106th Av, Cutler Bay): Tues. 9:00-10:00am & Wed. & Thurs.- 10:00-11:00am​
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Upcoming Training Sessions:
Friday, November 15th at 12:00pm
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Questions about becoming a ReadingPals volunteer? Email us!
​​History
Thanks to the generosity of the Barnett family since 2011, more than 30,000 students have received a mentor, with more than 530,000 take-home books donated to build at-home libraries. ReadingPals is managed by The Children’s Movement of Florida and administered through 15 United Ways/supporting agencies -- with the help of numerous community partners across the state. ​
All Videos
WHAT OUR READINGPALS SAY
GRACE CABRERA
It has been a great experience interacting with the kids and helping them with their reading skills. I always look forward to seeing their happy faces.
CELINE WESTON
I feel fulfilled whenever I notice progress within the students as well as how happy they are to greet me. It really shows the importance of being supportive and kind in order to create a lasting impact in their development.
MARIA RAMSEY
No matter what is going on in my life the children I tutor bring me so much joy. They are always happy to see me and want to learn.
