Community Literacy

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Improving Adult Literacy

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Adults, 16 years old and older, who need help with their literacy skills and who are not enrolled in school can join KCC’s adult literacy program for individual, classroom and small group tutoring. KCC’s Adult Literacy Initiative Volunteers Expanded (ALIVE) program provides an opportunity for adults to become competent enough in the area of reading, writing, math and English language skills to function effectively in their everyday lives.

ALIVE provides accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision-making. ALIVE partners with community service agencies throughout the college district.

Locations

Trained ALIVE volunteer tutors serve students at local libraries, community centers, and KCC adult education classrooms.

Hours

Meeting times and places are arranged for the convenience of the student. The student and tutor work together a minimum of two hours per week.

Cost

Literacy services provided at no charge.

Improving Child Literacy

The Baby Talk Program introduces the importance of early literacy to parents of newborns at local hospitals. This program is a collaborative effort between Kankakee Community College, United Way of Kankakee County, Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, area hospitals, and trained volunteers.

Parents are the key to a child’s success in learning to read. Reading, singing and talking to babies stimulate brain growth. Research shows that reading to babies every day from birth increases brain capacity for language and literacy skills. It is the single most important thing you can do to prepare a child to read.

How to Enroll

For more information, email Shannan Carrell or call 815-802-8307.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of Adult Literacy Initiative Volunteers Expanded (ALIVE) literacy programs. They are needed for the following assignments:

  • Tutor adults in reading, writing, math and the English language.
  • Serve as classroom tutors.
  • Participate in the “Baby Talk” program for parents of newborns.

Tutor and student assignments are made based on availability of both the tutor and student. Sessions are held mornings, afternoons or evenings, every day of the week. Most tutors work with the learners 1-2 hours per week. Days off, vacations or breaks are determined by the tutor and student. Tutors are required to submit tutor hours monthly via email or mail.

ALIVE Training

All tutors must complete an application form and 12 hours of training. Online tutor training is available through the Illinois Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training website. The training will take approximately 10 hours and the tutors will be able to complete it at their own pace. Upon completion, tutors will have a 2 hour orientation to the ALIVE Program. Additional training opportunities will take place twice per year.

Interested?

Volunteer Form

Tutor Resources

Monthly tutor report - Use this form to report your tutoring hours. Please return a completed form each month, even if you have not logged any tutoring hours.

First meeting worksheet - Use the Getting to Know You Interview worksheet to learn about the person you are tutoring.

Helpful Websites