Literacy Programs
Community Reader Program
The Children First Community Reader Program provides elementary students with individualized reading support from trained community members who help students strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence, and reach their reading goals.
This fall, Children First is recruiting Community Readers to support students at Williams and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Readers will work directly with students twice a week throughout the 10-week program and will be compensated for their time.
Interested in becoming a Community Reader this fall? Learn more and apply today!
👉 Apply to Become a Community Reader:
Community Reader Application
Our Community Readers in Action!
See our Community Readers building connections, encouraging young readers, and helping students grow their literacy skills one session at a time.
Story Time at the Park Series
In Spring 2025, Children First partnered with local community-based organizations to host a series of Story Time at the Park events across Bakersfield, bringing literacy-focused activities to families in multiple neighborhoods. Together with 3G Activities, Love From Above Community, and Blue Zones Project, we organized four to five events each from February through June, engaging children, teens, and parents in joyful reading experiences.
This collaborative effort was inspired by a 2024 pilot led by the Kern Literacy Council, in partnership with Supervisor Leticia Perez and Blue Zones Project, and continues to expand access to literacy in our community.
Children First organized four Story Time at the Park events in partnership with local guest readers, the Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMOA), and Firehouse Subs. Because the NiMO (Niles/Monterey) neighborhood is home to many Hispanic and Latino families, including young Spanish-speaking households, we intentionally selected books that reflected our community. Each story was shared in both English and Spanish, with guest readers taking turns in each language so children and parents could fully participate and feel included.
Each event featured a read-aloud followed by a short Q&A, along with lunch and refreshments for attendees. To complement the literacy experience, a BMOA team member led arts and crafts activities inspired by the featured book. Families were also encouraged to enjoy free play and relaxation at the park, creating a welcoming space for learning and connection.
Every child received a free copy of the book to take home, and families were often able to select additional donated books thanks to the generosity of the Kern Literacy Council and other local partners. We were able to serve 123 youth and 60 adults during our events.
Partners included: ‘Book It’ Ford Dream Builders Team, BMOA, Firehouse Subs, Bakersfield Literary Society, Calpulli Ollincan Yolotl, Kern County CA Women of Agriculture, La Paleta Company, Mendoza Party Rentals, Rent-A-Toliet, and Que Buena 105.7.
Inaugural Event: 2/8/25 | Partners: ‘Book It’ Ford Dream Builders Team + BMOA
Book read: I Can Do Hard Things / Yo Puedo Hacer Cosas Difíciles by Gabi Garcia
‘Book It” Team also helped install a little library at our park! They also installed them at a few other locations at: Vintage Cuts: 2677 Mt Vernon Ave Suite A, Jefferson Elementary: 816 Lincoln Street, and Daycare: 3501 La Costa. Check them out!
Story Time at the Park #2: 3/8/25 | Partners: Bakersfield Literary Society + BMOA + Firehouse Subs
Book Read: From North to South / Del Norte al Sur by René Colato Laínez
Story Time at the Park #3: 4/12/25 | Partners: Calpulli Ollincan Yolotl + BMOA + Mendoza Party Rentals + Que Buena 105.7 FM
Book Read: Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day Celebremos / El día de los niños/El día de los libros by Pat Mora
Story Time at the Park #4: 6/14/25 | Partners: Kern County CA Women of Agriculture + BMOA + La Paleta Company + Firehouse Subs
Book Read: Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz
