WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today are recognizing the lifelong impact childhood literacy programs have on the success of Maine children and their communities. In a bipartisan resolution unanimously agreed to by the Senate, October 20th, 2024, has been designated as National Early Childhood Literacy Day. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) are also co-sponsors of the resolution.

“Fostering literacy in early childhood is crucial for preparing students in Maine and across the country for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution seeks to ensure that students from all social and economic backgrounds have access to programs that promote childhood literacy and language development.”

“Fostering a love for reading at a young age helps open young minds to new worlds and ideas, and is also important for early childhood development,” said Senator King. “When we invest in literacy programs and reading skills at a young age, we are setting our children up for continued success both in and out of the classroom. Good readers are good thinkers, and I am committed to advocating for literacy awareness along with the resources that strengthen Maine communities. I am proud to once again co-lead on this resolution recognizing the importance, enjoyment and direct impact of childhood literacy.”

“I am so grateful for the efforts of Senators Collins, King, Capito and Manchin for their resolution designating October 20, 2024, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. Highlighting the importance of literacy from the very start of a child's life has great benefit, in particular for our most vulnerable populations,” said Cristina Salois, M.S.Ed., Chair of the Maine Head Start Directors Association. “The resolution applauds the daily work that communities, educators and families do each day to ensure that all children have opportunities to participate in literacy activities and to enjoy books. These efforts result in long-lasting positive impacts. Head Start has a long history of family partnership and community collaboration in efforts to build strong language and literacy foundations for our children. Thank you, Senators, for supporting the precious gift we can give to all children — a lifelong love of reading and books.”

“On behalf of all the members of The LITEArary Society, I would like to thank Senator Manchin, as well as Senator Capito, Senator Collins and Senator King for introducing a resolution to designate October 20, 2024 as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness about early childhood literacy issues at the national level and encourage greater support to help children achieve reading proficiency-one book at a time. I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support of the Senators again this year to make this very special day, a reality,” said Rania Zuri, Founder and CEO of The LiTEArary Society, Inc., an entirely youth-led 501 (c)(3 ) nonprofit organization with the mission of ending book deserts for disadvantaged preschool children.

Senators Collins and King have been steadfast champions of childhood education and literacy programs for Maine children, and have previously co-sponsored this resolution.

Read the full resolution here.

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