Archive for Blog

Protect Black Women: A Call to Action for Equity and Justice

The rallying cry of “protect Black women” emerged as a powerful response to the violence and systemic racism inflicted upon Black individuals by those sworn to protect and serve, sparking civil unrest.

Volunteers Pitch in to Celebrate Teachers

Just before the school year came to an end, CLI Broward had a very special surprise for its teachers. Initiated and coordinated by Broward advisory board member, Rachel Danzig, Broward coaches presented teachers with care packages during National Teachers Appreciation Week in recognition for their work throughout the…

Cultivating a Sense of Belonging Book List

With the start of a new school year—and for some, new schools and new classmates—children may be trying to establish for themselves a sense belonging, whether through feelings of security and community, or through self and identity. This book list provides picture books spanning pre-kindergarten through fifth grade…

Getting involved in your child’s classroom

A new school year can also be a time of great excitement and even some anxiety for everyone at home. With this in mind, we have put together some tips for parents and teachers to help calm any fears and lay the groundwork for the exciting year ahead.

Hispanic Heritage Month – Book Collection

CLI celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with read alouds that center Latinx and Hispanic characters and cultures. These picture books, biographies, early readers, and middle-grade novels bring us stories from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Inka Empire, and more.

The Value of High-Quality Books

Books, media, and materials in a classroom have an immediate and lasting impact on children. Books that are accurate, affirming, and inclusive help children feel a sense of belonging, build criticality and intellect, experience joy, increase engagement, and help to build an appreciation for reading. Learn more about…

Reina Prowler Honored as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2022 CFOs of the Year

Children’s Literacy Initiative, a national 501(c)(3) working to advance equity in public education, proudly congratulates Interim CEO and CFO Reina Prowler on her recognition by the Philadelphia Business Journal (PBJ) as one of their 2022 CFO of the Year honorees. This prestigious award honors chief financial officers for…

MLK Book List

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), we put together a small collection of books that highlight Dr. King’s life and the movement he inspired. Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on, from the impactful Civil Rights Movement to the present-day activism we see in…

Holiday Greeting

On behalf of the 104,419 children who are learning to read with the help of supporters like you, we wish you a very happy holiday, filled with joy, laughter, and a love of learning.

COVID-19 & the Changing Education Landscape

In March 2020, when COVID-19 struck and physical classrooms closed, CLI district partners scrambled to provide distance-learning solutions for students. Having previously made initial investments in online learning for teachers, CLI quickly pivoted its 30+ years of experience to give students, teachers and districts the support they needed…