First Grade READS
Support students to help improve their literacy skills
First Grade READS is a long-term volunteer opportunity working with first-grade students during the school year at select Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Volunteer tutors work with students to help improve their literacy skills and assist them in becoming confident and successful readers.
Our initiatives strive to offer children a robust platform for enhancing their literacy skills and equipping them with the tools necessary to become exceptional readers.
LENA Start
Support the LENA Start coaches
LENA Start is a 10-week parenting class that occurs seasonally during the year. Parents participate in a family-friendly class with their child to learn about the best techniques for improving the talk environment at home and on the go. Volunteer program and childcare assistants support the LENA Start coaches during the weekly classes.
Classes are held at local Virginia Beach Public libraries and Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation centers. If you are interested in volunteering as a program and childcare assistant, please email VBGrowSmart@VBgov.com or call 757-385-6495.
Read Across America Day
Be a guest reader
Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on the Friday during the first week in March. Volunteers can register to be guest readers at participating Virginia Beach preschools and elementary schools. Each year hundreds of volunteers deploy to schools and read the selected book to children during the morning.
Each student receives a copy of the book to take home.
Celebrating Children
Many opportunities with set-up, registration and games
Celebrating Children occurs annually during April at Mount Trashmore Park. This is a free event for families to enjoy kid-friendly entertainment, a fun run, children’s activities, and 60+ community vendors with resources for children and families. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, race registration, fun-run routes, and many more opportunities.
How to reach us?
Are you interested in volunteering? For additional information, please email GrowSmart or call 757-385-6495 .