The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) will host a Literacy Forum & Training on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 195 Campus Drive, Kearny, New Jersey, to address the pressing issue of early childhood literacy, particularly among children impacted by parental incarceration.

Early childhood literacy rates nationwide are concerning. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 35% of fourth-graders in the United States are reading at or above proficient levels. In New Jersey, the situation is marginally better, with 38% of fourth-graders reading at or above proficient levels. However, this still means that many children are not developing the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

In New Jersey, approximately 88,000 children, about 5% of the state’s youth, have had a parent incarcerated, a sharp increase from 65,000 in 2011–2012. These children face a heightened risk of emotional trauma, behavioral challenges, and academic struggles, including lower literacy rates and disrupted school performance. Many children of incarcerated parents are in their critical early developmental years, during which consistent support and literacy engagement are essential. The stress of parental separation, economic hardship, and instability severely impact their ability to thrive in school and beyond.

Early intervention is critical to improving literacy outcomes. By providing children with access to books and literacy-rich experiences, we can help them develop a love of reading and build the foundational skills they need to become successful readers.

The Forum will bring together experts in the field to share their knowledge and best practices.

Speakers include Peggy Kaye, author and early childhood education teacher; Professor of Speech, Composition, and Reading, Sharon Benjamin; Kim Byam, Reach Out and Read NJ Executive Director; Mark Hill-Lloyd, Trinity Faith Church in Jersey City; Jackie Anderson, Early Literacy Program Manager, Jersey City Public Library Learning Center; Cherese T. Bracey, author and CEO of Reading Reaps Rewards Early Childhood Enrichment Program; and Amanda Jacobs, Director of Academic Planning and Solutions, Early Learning, Scholastic.

The event will also include a training session for religious leaders and educators in our community on how to support early literacy development. In addition, we will give away Scholastic books to attendees to help them build their libraries.

During the event, we will distribute the NJRC Early Childhood Literacy Resource Guide, developed to support parents and educators in fostering early literacy and numeracy skills. This guide provides various free resources, including online reading programs, interactive apps, printable worksheets, and community support services.

About the New Jersey Reentry Corporation

The New Jersey Reentry Corporation is a nonprofit organization committed to eliminating barriers individuals face reentering society, providing integrated access to healthcare, employment, job training, housing, and legal assistance. NJRC’s mission is to build a model of Second Chances that fosters self-sufficiency, equity, and human dignity.