ELITE Early Literacy Enrichment Program

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Building Confident Readers—Early and Equitably

ELITE (Early Literacy Enrichment) is a targeted, culturally responsive reading program designed to strengthen early literacy skills for students who need additional support—when it matters most.

Serving 1st–3rd grade students, ELITE focuses on helping children build strong reading foundations, confidence, and a genuine love of books, setting them on a path toward long-term academic success.

Why Early Literacy Matters

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of future success in school and beyond. Students who struggle to read early are far more likely to face ongoing academic challenges.

In Santa Rosa, many students—particularly those from low-income households and multilingual backgrounds—lack access to the targeted literacy support they need. ELITE exists to close that gap through early, intentional intervention.

How the Program Works

ELITE is delivered in small-group settings and designed to complement classroom instruction. The program emphasizes:

  1. Teacher-led read-alouds using carefully selected, culturally relevant texts

  2. Guided discussions and activities that reinforce comprehension and critical thinking

  3. Vocabulary and language development, with intentional support for multilingual learners

  4. Encouragement to read independently, building confidence and motivation

By meeting students where they are, ELITE helps accelerate literacy growth in a supportive, engaging environment.

Culturally Responsive by Design

At the heart of ELITE is a belief that representation matters.

Books used in the program are thoughtfully curated to reflect the cultures, languages, and lived experiences of Santa Rosa students—particularly BIPOC students and multilingual learners. When students see themselves in stories:

  • Engagement increases

  • Comprehension deepens

  • Confidence grows

  • Motivation to read strengthens

This approach not only improves literacy outcomes but also affirms student identity and belonging.

Equity in Action

ELITE is implemented using the Made in Santa Rosa Education Foundation’s equity-based funding model, prioritizing schools with the greatest literacy needs.

By targeting early learners and providing additional instructional support, ELITE helps ensure students are not left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.

Impact Beyond Reading Skills

ELITE supports more than literacy development. Students gain:

  • Confidence as readers

  • Stronger listening and communication skills

  • Positive associations with reading and learning

  • Increased engagement in the classroom

These benefits extend well beyond the program, supporting overall academic and social-emotional growth.

Expanding Access to ELITE

With continued community investment, ELITE will continue to expand—bringing culturally responsive, evidence-based literacy support to more elementary schools across Santa Rosa.

Together, we can help every child build the reading skills and confidence they need to thrive.

“The ELITE program is one of the most promising innovations taking place in Sonoma County education. By targeting students who need the most support in a culturally enriching way, we are seeing students’ journeys to literacy accelerated and a love of reading fostered.”
— Dr. Amie Carter, Superintendent, Sonoma County Office of Education