Programs

Community Literacy Support for Hamilton and Webster Counties

Tallgrass Literacy Initiative partners with families, libraries, childcare centers, and community organizations to strengthen literacy development for children across rural Iowa. Our programs provide practical guidance, research-based literacy instruction, and community learning opportunities.

Family Literacy Nights

Community events designed to help parents understand how children learn to read and how to support literacy development at home.

These engaging sessions explain the foundations of reading in clear, accessible language and provide practical strategies families can use immediately.

Topics may include:

  • How children learn to read

  • Phonics and early literacy foundations

  • Recognizing signs of reading difficulty or dyslexia

  • Supporting reading at home without frustration

Best for: Libraries, schools, and community centers

Parent Literacy Workshops

Small-group workshops that offer deeper guidance for families who want to better support their child’s reading development.

Workshops focus on practical strategies parents can use to build reading confidence and support struggling readers.

Topics may include:

  • Understanding phonics and decoding

  • Helping struggling readers build confidence

  • Supporting multilingual learners

  • Choosing books that strengthen reading skills

Best for: Libraries and community organizations

Early Childhood Literacy Programs

Play-based literacy sessions designed for children ages 3–6 in childcare and preschool settings.

Programs build strong early literacy foundations through stories, vocabulary development, phonological awareness activities, and hands-on learning.

Best for: Childcare centers and preschool programs

Summer Literacy Programs

Structured literacy enrichment programs designed to support reading development during the summer months.

Programs combine engaging stories, vocabulary development, comprehension activities, and literacy-based crafts to keep children learning while having fun.

Best for: Childcare centers and summer learning programs

Early Literacy Screenings

Screening opportunities designed to help identify children who may benefit from additional literacy support.

Screenings may assess areas such as phonological awareness, decoding skills, and vocabulary development. Families receive clear guidance and recommendations for next steps.

Best for: Childcare centers and early elementary programs

Educator & Caregiver Support

Professional learning sessions designed for childcare staff and community educators who want to strengthen literacy practices in early learning environments.

Topics may include structured literacy foundations, phonological awareness instruction, and creating literacy-rich classrooms.

Best for: Childcare providers and early learning programs

Community Partnerships

Tallgrass Literacy Initiative works collaboratively with libraries, schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to expand literacy opportunities for families across rural Iowa.

Melissa Lammers, M.Ed.
Founder & Director
Tallgrass Literacy Initiative
Webster City, Iowa