Frequently Asked Questions

How does Nemours BrightStart! help educators?

Nemours BrightStart! offers educators
and child care professionals practical, science-based tools and training to address the real-life challenges of building reading readiness skills in kids. We also offer training and professional development for early educators.

Does Nemours BrightStart! work?

Designed with educators and early learning specialists, Nemours BrightStart! programs and curriculum have been field tested with thousands of pre-kindergarteners at risk of reading failure. They have proven highly effective in building alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness skills that support future reading success.

What are the documented results?

Since the beginning of Nemours BrightStart! in 2005:

• Tens of thousands of pre-kindergarteners have been screened on early literacy skills, with thousands of at-risk children receiving Nemours BrightStart! intensive educational instruction
• Two-thirds of participating at-risk children who have received the Nemours BrightStart! educational instruction have moved to the typical range in their reading readiness skills
• At-risk pre-kindergarteners completing the Nemours BrightStart! intensive educational instruction gain an average of 114% on their reading readiness scores

Do results differ depending upon who delivers the program?

Originally, Nemours BrightStart! staff solely provided the Nemours BrightStart! screening and instruction. In 2010, the Nemours BrightStart! delivery model added training for early childhood educators to conduct screenings and instruction using the Nemours BrightStart! curriculum (a capacity building model approach).

The children in the capacity building model groups averaged nearly 150% annualized gains in early literacy skills, actually surpassing the 114% historical benchmark average gain set by Nemours BrightStart! staff (see question above). When taught by their own teachers using Nemours BrightStart! curriculum, child outcomes exceeded expectations.

Where do I find Nemours BrightStart! programs and curriculum?

Nemours BrightStart! has formed a relationship with Kaplan Early Learning Company to carry Nemours BrightStart! programs and products throughout the U.S. Call Kaplan toll-free at (800) 334-2014 or visit them online.

What are the Nemours BrightStart! program and curriculum components?

The Nemours BrightStart! Program for Early Literacy Success includes:

• Lesson Plans Kit includes 20 scripted lesson plans, related materials to complete each lesson, and learning objectives tied to state and national standards
• Manipulatives Kit helps children learn with fun, motivating and developmentally appropriate activities
• Book Set with 16 books
• Milestone Map, a full-color illustrated poster addressing parents' and educators' concerns about children's reading readiness and progress

What training and professional development is offered?

Nemours BrightStart! conducts workshops that provide current information on best practices that prepare young children for reading success. All professional development courses incorporate research-based best practices for adult learners. They are designed to make the best use of your time and give you knowledge and skills to apply immediately in your work setting. 

What are some of the Nemours BrightStart! courses offered to educators?

Current courses include:

• Overview of Nemours BrightStart!
• Enhancing the Literacy Center
• Reading Aloud to Young Children
• Emergent Writing
• Dyslexia 101
• Basics of Multisensory Instruction
• Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

New topics are added periodically, and we can customize presentations in some instances. We also give presentations at regional and national conferences, such as National Association for the Education of Young Children and its state affiliates, International Reading Association, International Dyslexia Association and its state affiliates, and One Goal in Tampa, FL.