Purpose:

The purpose of this grant is to support families with children 0-5 to increase opportunities for early literacy. Through funding provided by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Birth to Five Early Literacy Program, childcare providers and early educators will be able to order books for children in their care, so children and families can begin building their libraries at home.

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Who qualifies:

This grant is eligible to any person who provides childcare to children 0-5 or participates in education at a preschool in Wasco and Hood River counties. Childcares and preschools must have at least 70% of their families earning 200% below the Federal Poverty Level. The book grants will be in the form of credits that grantees will use on the nationwide First Book “Marketplace”.

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How much money is available?

Through the support of Four Rivers Family Early Learning Hub, there is $7,000 for Wasco and Hood River counties that will be divided amongst grantees. Applicants are encouraged to apply based on the number of children they have in their preschool. Books For Kids will divide the number of applicants by the money available to determine how many books each child will receive. Each educator or childcare provider will choose which books they would like to order following the award. They will be given a specific code to be able to order these books, available in English, Spanish and Dual Language.

 

Timeline:

DEADLINE EXTENDED: NOV 10th

 

Applications due by 10/30/24.

To be sent to: Books for Kids Columbia Gorge Chairperson- Nancy Johanson Paul njpsun53@gmail.com​