Idol Gives Back to America’s Children
Click here to meet Hannah and learn more about the Early Steps to School Success Program. 
Hannah and Charity: An Early Start on the Path to School Success
Jackson County, Kentucky
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Melissa and her daughter, Hannah, enjoy reading the books they receive through Save the Children's Early Steps to School Success program. |
Thanks to Save the Children's Early Steps to School Success program, every two weeks Hannah, who is almost 2, is eagerly waiting by her front door for a visit from Melinda, her Early Steps coordinator. Melinda, a trained early childhood development specialist, visits Hannah, her infant sister Charity, and their mother, Melissa, at their home to help Melissa track her daughters' development, offer advice on activities to promote the girls' early language and literacy skills and read stories to the girls.
Hannah is most excited about receiving her "Raising a Reader" bag during each visit, which is full of age-appropriate books for the family to read together until Melinda's next visit. Melissa credits the Early Steps to School Success program for Hannah's new love of books – she even brings them to bed with her each night – and thanks Melinda for teaching her the importance of reading to her girls.
On a recent visit, Melinda also took time to do an activity with Hannah to promote her fine motor skills development. Hannah enjoyed threading Cheerios on a string almost as much as she liked snacking on them.
When Hannah turns 4, she can receive her "Raising a Reader" bag at her McKee Elementary preschool classroom, where Melinda regularly hosts storybook reading sessions. She and her parents will also be able to participate in "Transition to School" activities to connect with McKee Elementary teachers and faculty before Hannah's first day of school.
Melissa also has the option of attending local parent education group meetings, which cover topics such as "Singing and Storytelling," "Promoting Thinking Skills through Pretend Play" and "Learning through Active Play."
Read more about how Idol Gives Back has helped children in both Africa and the U.S.
