About Read OC

READ/Orange County provides:

• Tutoring in reading and writing

• Tutor training

• On-going tutor support

• Mutually convenient times and locations

• Small group or one-to-one setting

• Confidential, individualized, goal-oriented lessons

• Families for Literacy

• Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN)

• English Literacy Civics Education

• Referral information

READ/Orange County provides tutoring in reading, writing and English to individuals. Lessons are individualized, confidential, and highly goal-oriented. Tutors structure the learning process around the goals of the learner, using materials that relate to those goals.

In support of the Core Program, READ/Orange County offers three other programs: Families For Literacy (FFL), Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN) and English Language and English Literacy Civics Education (EL -Civics).

Families for Literacy

READ/Orange County's Families for Literacy (FFL) component works with parents and children to break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy. We promote literacy skills in the parents and reading readiness in children under five.  FFL tutors are specifically trained in methods of incorporating children's material into the tutoring sessions as well as assisting parents in choosing appropriate reading materials for their children.

Family Reading Times are held regularly with parents and children to promote an atmosphere of fun and learning and to demonstrate that these terms can by synonymous.

READ Jr.

Teen tutors work with the children of our adult learners, along with their parents, to help the children succeed in school. Children ages 6-12 get help with their reading, writing, and homework, while the parents learn valuable skills to support their children in life long learning. Tutors are specially trained to involve the whole family together in the learning process. (Click here to register for READ Jr. Tutor Training)

Working for Inmate Literacy Now 

READ/Orange County's Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN) component provides basic literacy services to interested inmates in the Orange County jail system. Trained tutors go into the five Orange County jail facilities to provide these services. Due to rapid inmate turnover, the goal of WIN is to:

• Demonstrate to the inmate the practical benefits of improving their literacy skills;
• Demonstrate to the inmate their capability in improving literacy skills; and
• Encourage learners' education upon transfer or release from the jail system.

EL Civics

EL Civics Education provides opportunities for adult non-native speakers to become better parents, workers, and community members by gaining language and literacy skills. The curriculum includes a variety of topics such as accessing good family health care, nutrition, employment skills, or helping their children succeed in school.

Tutor Training

Volunteers receive comprehensive training and materials to assist with their tutoring.  During training volunteers receive materials and information about how to teach reading and writing.  Volunteers are also provided the opportunity to practice various teaching techniques demonstrated by the instructor. (Click here to register)