KSC Reads
KSC Reads supports the mission of having all children reading well and independently by the end of the third grade. The program matches federal work study eligible students and volunteers with local preschools to tutor children in reading skill development. Our tutors work off-campus in Keene and surrounding communities to support general classroom needs, facilitate read-alouds, grow letter mastery and more with children ages birth to 5.
Interested in becoming a KSC Reads tutor?
Applications for the Fall 2020 tutors will open in August.
For more information regarding KSC Reads please contact Jessica Gagne Cloutier, Coordinator of Community Service.
KSC Reads FAQs
What do tutors do?
First and foremost, the tutors’ job is to get youth excited about reading. Tutors are placed with local pre-school and day care programs, and matched with a classroom for a semester or academic year.
Once placed and matched, tutors work with their tutees in activities focused on the development of reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Activities may include games and activities in addition to planned reading time.
Tutors will work with the KSC Reads Coordinator, tutoring staff and on-site teachers to assess their tutee’s progress and acknowledge achievements.
Do tutors receive training?
Tutors participate in a required orientation at the beginning of the academic year as well as monthly trainings and meetings. These professional development opportunities help tutors learn strategies to support early emergent readers, work together as a team to understand and address social justice issues connected to the reading gap and reflect on the impact of their work.
How do I become a tutor?
Any KSC student may apply to become a KSC Reads tutor, however, KSC Reads is a federal work study community service initiative; applicants with a federal work study award are given preference, followed by volunteers. KSC Reads does not hire student hourly.
Where are the tutoring sites?
Tutoring sites for Fall may include Keene Head Start, Swanzey Head Start, and Keene Day Care. These sites may change without notice.
How are tutors placed/matched?
Tutors are placed at sites based upon their personal availability, access to transportation, and experience. Teachers and supervisors at each site match tutors and tutees based primarily upon the tutor’s experience level and the classroom needs.
How do tutors get to their sites?
Transportation to and from sites is the responsibility of the tutor. Keene Head Start and Keene Day Care are within reasonable walking distance from KSC.
How much are tutors paid?
Tutor pay is based upon the federal work-study wage rate. The starting hourly wage for America Reads Tutors is $7.25.
What is the time commitment for a tutor?
Time commitments will vary based upon the tutor’s availability; however, each tutor is expected to spend a minimum of five (5) hours per week at their assigned site in addition to required monthly training, meetings, travel and planning time.