 (1).png "HPE news")
Strong Start® Charitable Organization is proud to partner with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) to bring its proven Letters, Sounds and Words™ program to schools across the region. Grounded in the Science of Reading and delivered by trained community volunteers, this 10-week initiative provides children with targeted, one-on-one support in the earliest stages of their literacy journey.
Designed for children in Year 2 Kindergarten through Grade 2, the program builds foundational skills in letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sound blending, and early word reading. Each child is paired with a trained Volunteer Coach for weekly sessions that make learning fun and engaging, helping them to build confidence in a warm, supportive setting.
“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to equity and student achievement,” said Katherine MacIver, Director of Education at HPEDSB. “By offering targeted, research-based literacy support early in a child’s journey, we’re helping them build critical reading skills while fostering the confidence and joy that come with every small breakthrough.”
“When we invest in children’s literacy, we invest in their futures,” said Machelle Denison, Chief Executive Officer of Strong Start. “Our partnership with HPEDSB is helping to create connected, caring communities where every child has the opportunity to grow into a capable, confident reader.”
This collaboration is part of Strong Start’s initiative to bring the Letters, Sounds and Words program to 750 schools in 750 days. Since 2001, Strong Start has helped over 60,000 children strengthen their reading skills, thanks to the dedication of thousands of trained volunteers and community partnerships. With a 95% literacy gain rate among participating children, the program offers a proven, scalable solution for addressing early reading challenges and helping more young learners thrive.
About Strong Start® Charitable Organization
Strong Start is a Canadian charity dedicated to transforming children’s lives through literacy. For nearly 25 years, the organization has supported young learners in building the skills and confidence needed to become lifelong readers. Its programs are grounded in research, curriculum-aligned, and delivered through strong partnerships with schools, educators, families, and thousands of trained volunteers.
From its flagship Letters, Sounds and Words program to early intervention initiatives like Get Ready for School™ and Baby Connections®, Strong Start meets children where they are and provides the support they need to thrive. Free for families and easy to implement in classrooms and community settings, these programs deliver measurable results.