In support of early literacy, Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott visited the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education to learn more about its mission to elevate the quality of early childhood education in Miami-Dade and beyond.  She toured the facility and served as a VIP reader in a Pre-K classroom, where she read The True Story for the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka.  She also shared her Love.Read.Learn! Baby Journal with infants and their families.

First Lady Ann Scott believes great readers become great learners, and early learning leads to academic success.

“I am passionate about supporting literacy and early learning in Florida’s communities.” said First Lady Scott. “Reading is the foundation of all learning so it is important for parents to be their child’s first teacher and encourage a love of reading from an early age.”

Research shows that children who learn to read well at an early age will not only read more independently, but also excel in math, social studies and science.  There is also a greater chance that these children graduate from high school and pursue higher education.  Investing in early education pays off: the return on investment includes higher graduation rates, better job skills, increased homeownership and less chance of criminal activities.

Together with local early learning partners, The Children’s Trust, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and The Children’s Movement of Florida, United Way participates in several early literacy projects and advocates at the local, state and national level.