Strong Start® and Avon Maitland District School Board Launch Literacy Partnership to Empower Young Readers
Huron and Perth Counties – Strong Start® Charitable Organization is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), bringing its evidence-based Letters, Sounds and Words™ program to schools across the region. This initiative supports early literacy development by offering targeted one-on-one support to children in Year 2 Kindergarten through Grade 2, helping them become confident and capable readers.
Letters, Sounds and Words™ is a 10-week program rooted in the Science of Reading and aligned with Ontario’s language curriculum. Designed for children aged 5 to 9, it pairs each child with a trained Volunteer Coach for weekly sessions that make learning both fun and impactful. Through interactive games and hands-on activities, children build skills in letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sound blending, and word reading—the foundations of early literacy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Strong Start in order to support our efforts to ensure all AMDSB students begin their educational journey with us with a strong foundation in reading skills." said Graham Shantz, Director of Education, AMDSB. “Letters, Sounds and Words™ supports the latest research in reading development and we look forward to having our youngest students benefit from this engaging program.”
“When children are given the right support at the right time, it transforms their future,” said Machelle Denison, Chief Executive Officer of Strong Start®. “Through our partnership with AMDSB, we’re helping children build essential literacy skills, grow in confidence, and feel supported by a community that believes in their potential.”
This partnership is part of Strong Start®’s campaign to bring Letters, Sounds and Words™ to 750 schools in 750 days. Since 2001, the organization has helped more than 60,000 children strengthen their reading skills through free, curriculum-aligned programs. With proven literacy gains and a volunteer-led model that’s easy to implement, Strong Start® is redefining how communities support early learners.
To learn more about the Letters, Sounds and Words™ program, visit their website: Strong Start.
Interested in volunteering? Community members can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life by becoming a Strong Start® Volunteer Coach. To learn more or to sign up, visit the Strong Start Volunteer Page.
For media inquiries and event details, please contact:
Chera Longston, Communications Manager (AMDSB)
Email: [email protected]