December 12, 2024 – The Division of Child and Family Development (DCFD) marked its Second Annual Literacy Week to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy. The initiative aimed to highlight how reading to young children can help develop language skills and set the stage for school readiness.
“Literacy is vital to the early development of our children,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “We must continue investing in child development and find ways to support our youth.”
Throughout the week, First Lady Keller, along with staff from various city departments including Youth & Family Services and Albuquerque Community Safety, visited 25 classrooms across the city. These sessions focused on children ages 0-5, where city leaders read books to the students and shared their own favorite childhood stories. City Councilors also participated by reading to children in their districts.
Dr. Dawnita Blackmon-Mosely, Associate Director of DCFD, emphasized the importance of early literacy skills. “The City of Albuquerque’s early childhood services are built on fostering these skills through daily interactions between educators and children,” she said. “These interactions support cognitive growth and communication, setting a foundation for school readiness and a lifelong love of learning.”
Research shows that the early years are crucial for speech and language development. Regularly reading, talking, and singing with young children stimulates brain growth, enhancing their literacy skills and encouraging a passion for learning. These early experiences are essential for future academic success.
Councilor Nichole Rogers also stressed the importance of community involvement in early education. “Reading is key to building a healthy future. We all need to help children learn to read before they start kindergarten,” she said. “It’s not just the school’s job — we must all pitch in to ensure our kids are ready to succeed.”
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