Born to Read

Parent-Powered Literacy (PPL)

K-12 Literacy Center

The Parent-Powered Literacy (PPL) program is designed for expectant parents and parents of young children, age three-years-old or younger, in the Tyler and East Texas region. The program provides parents with the tools they need to support their children's early language and literacy development. PPL is funded, in part, by the K-16 Literacy Center at the University of Texas at Tyler, the Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Phi Kappa Phi Organization. For questions or more information, Contact, Dr. Kouider Mokhtari, Anderson-Vukelja-Wright Endowed Chair via e-mail kmokhtari@uttyler.edu or phone 903.566.7177.

Program Purpose:

Promote children’s early language and literacy skills, while helping parents understand their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. We teach parents to read to their children before they are born.

Program Start:

The PPL program starts in October of each year and ends in May.

Program Incentives:

Participating parents receive the following:

• An initial literacy resource kit.
• A reference list of community resources for children and families.
• A library card application.
• Ongoing support on how to raise a reader.

Program Requirements:

Participating parents agree to:

1. Participate in a 2-hour training seminar (lunch provided) once a month from October to May.
2. Assist in documenting children’s early language and literacy growth.
3. Participate in the program activities through May.
4. Pay a one-time fee of $25 per family.  The $25 fee includes a pizza lunch, two free books per child, and a welcome package for parents.  Discounts are available for families who can document economic need.