Teen Literacy Coach Program

The Teen Literacy Coach program teaches teens from Head Start families to work in Head Start classrooms alongside Head Start teachers. Teen Literacy Coaches learn how to engage children in early literacy activities, providing Head Start children with individualized, special attention that encourages their love for learning. In addition to the classroom benefit for children in the Head Start program, Project SOAR provides training, mentoring, and technical assistance to help teens improve their own literacy and learning skills.  Teens also examine career options both within and beyond the child care field. Teen Literacy Coaches regularly participate in workshops and trainings, which address topics such as early childhood development, college preparation, and life skills. These workshops help teens to develop the confidence and leadership needed to effectively work with children and staff in Head Start classrooms.