Parents in the tri-cities now have a helpful, educational resource at their fingertips, thanks to a new partnership between Garland ISD and ReadyRosie. The data-driven program focuses on helping children become school ready by age five.
“Parent-child interaction in the early years really lays the foundation for success,” said Parent Involvement Facilitator Jonathan Armstrong. “We are really excited to be able to provide ReadyRosie to parents. Through this program, parents can watch videos and do activities with their children at home, preparing them for school and supporting their learning.”
GISD has paid all fees related to the subscription-based service so parents can have free, unlimited access to ReadyRosie’s content through a smartphone, computer or laptop. The program offers literacy and math-fueled activities, videos and additional resources for parents with children up to age five.
Since hearing about the district’s new collaboration at a staff development meeting, Cooper Elementary School kindergarten teacher Nancy Phetsarath has encouraged her student’s parents to take advantage of the rich resource.
“I like the program because it features very short videos, which is great for parents who are short on time,” she said. “Just like parents, I have a login and I receive an email every day of the newest video on their site.”
The digital shorts, available in English and Spanish, last anywhere from two to three minutes and cover everything from math to letters. They feature a real adult and a child working through a lesson.
“I have some first-time parents who may not know how to work with their child,” Phetsarath explained. “This is just a simple, easy way to say, ‘Here is how you could do it.’ They could definitely expand on it and change it up to where it works with their child. But it is just a great model to get parents involved. It does not cost anything, and you do not have to buy anything to participate.”
Parent Kristi Ordaz began using ReadyRosie as soon as Phetsarath talked to her about it.
“It takes a lot more for my son to learn certain concepts,” she commented. “So I have to take more steps and find different ways to be able to help him. I enjoy the program because it really does help.”
Ordaz believes every parent in the community should jump at this opportunity, as she would have if it were available to her years ago.
“If I was able to have this type of program when my son was two or three, I think he would have been more advanced,” she said. “I totally recommend it to all parents, especially those who have kids who are not in school yet.”
Any parent or caregiver in Garland, Rowlett or Sachse is eligible to access ReadyRosie content. Visit ReadyRosie’s website to begin a free subscription.