9.4.2009
A new CLC program called “Read to Me” brought high quality children’s books to 65 male and female jail inmates and provided the volunteers and recording equipment that allowed inmates to record themselves reading books to their children. A total of 98 children, from 18 months through 10 years, received books and CDs of their parent reading a story that was picked out for them. The program is coordinated by Laura Sherwood with assistance from the Lake County Jail.
“We choose fun books, and then the parent brings the story alive for their child,” Sherwood said. The Read to Me program allows inmates to connect with their children through reading and stresses the importance of literacy skills. “Parents don’t realize how important that is. It’s just such a cool program.” Often after reading the story, parents will add a personal message to their child, telling them they are loved or missed.
Darryl Smith said that reading to his children was through CDs was a great experience that’s “the next best thing to being with them. It’s very important. It helps keep their heads up so they’re not so sad.”
In the Volunteer Literacy (ESL & GED) program, also coordinated by Laura Sherwood, 217 students received tutor assistance, 66 Adult Education classes were matched with a tutor and
74 Adult Basic Education students received one-on-one tutor assistance.
The Repatriation/Career Development program for ex-offenders worked with 42 inmates who obtained their GED. Of these, 31 graduated from the formal program, 18 obtained jobs, 10 enrolled at CLC and one returned to jail. Several graduation ceremonies were held to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. The program is coordinated by Warren Thomas.
In the Family Literacy (ESL and GED) program, 38 ESL families attended family literacy classes, 54 families attended Adult Basic Education and GED classes and 118 children were served. The program is coordinated by Sari Oosta.
“There are so many people with various needs in the community. It is my hope that we as a community college will continue to remain open and provide programs that will meet the demands of our student population,” said Michele Vaughn, associate dean of community education.
“It is my earnest expectation that this year will be the year where students who enroll into our various courses (ABE, GED, ESL and Job Readiness) will be empowered, motivated and ready to make major contributions as productive citizens of Lake County. We are ‘educators on wheels’ and we are positioning ourselves to launch into another bountiful year,” she said.
The Community Education department is part of CLC’s Adult Basic Education, GED and ESL Division. For information, call (847) 543-2153.
Community Education programs change lives in Lake County
Almost 1,500 Lake County residents of all ages and backgrounds improved their reading skills, studied English, developed career skills and earned high school equivalency certificates through College of Lake County Community Education programs offered in the 2008-09 academic year. The programs were offered at 21 community sites by CLC instructors with the aid of 67 volunteer tutors. A total of 1,410 students enrolled.A new CLC program called “Read to Me” brought high quality children’s books to 65 male and female jail inmates and provided the volunteers and recording equipment that allowed inmates to record themselves reading books to their children. A total of 98 children, from 18 months through 10 years, received books and CDs of their parent reading a story that was picked out for them. The program is coordinated by Laura Sherwood with assistance from the Lake County Jail.
“We choose fun books, and then the parent brings the story alive for their child,” Sherwood said. The Read to Me program allows inmates to connect with their children through reading and stresses the importance of literacy skills. “Parents don’t realize how important that is. It’s just such a cool program.” Often after reading the story, parents will add a personal message to their child, telling them they are loved or missed.
Darryl Smith said that reading to his children was through CDs was a great experience that’s “the next best thing to being with them. It’s very important. It helps keep their heads up so they’re not so sad.”
In the Volunteer Literacy (ESL & GED) program, also coordinated by Laura Sherwood, 217 students received tutor assistance, 66 Adult Education classes were matched with a tutor and
74 Adult Basic Education students received one-on-one tutor assistance.
The Repatriation/Career Development program for ex-offenders worked with 42 inmates who obtained their GED. Of these, 31 graduated from the formal program, 18 obtained jobs, 10 enrolled at CLC and one returned to jail. Several graduation ceremonies were held to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. The program is coordinated by Warren Thomas.
In the Family Literacy (ESL and GED) program, 38 ESL families attended family literacy classes, 54 families attended Adult Basic Education and GED classes and 118 children were served. The program is coordinated by Sari Oosta.
“There are so many people with various needs in the community. It is my hope that we as a community college will continue to remain open and provide programs that will meet the demands of our student population,” said Michele Vaughn, associate dean of community education.
“It is my earnest expectation that this year will be the year where students who enroll into our various courses (ABE, GED, ESL and Job Readiness) will be empowered, motivated and ready to make major contributions as productive citizens of Lake County. We are ‘educators on wheels’ and we are positioning ourselves to launch into another bountiful year,” she said.
The Community Education department is part of CLC’s Adult Basic Education, GED and ESL Division. For information, call (847) 543-2153.