Becoming Your Child's Literacy Advocate
A FREE Parent University Series
Helping families navigate every step of the reading journey in partnership with schools.
Your Journey Through Parent University
Whether you're just beginning to ask questions or already navigating reading intervention, Parent University meets you where you are.
Each session builds upon the last, but every session also stands on its own.
Register once, and you'll receive invitations to every live session throughout the year, along with recordings afterward—so you can attend the sessions that matter most to your family or watch at your convenience.
SESSION 1 | Partnering with Schools to Support Reading Success
August 17, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
"I want to help my child succeed... I just don't know where to start."
Every reading journey begins with understanding.
This foundational session explores how children learn to read, how schools provide reading instruction, and why early literacy development matters. You'll gain confidence in understanding your child's reading journey while learning how to build a strong partnership with your child's school from the very beginning.
Topics include:
- how children learn to read;
- the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction;
- understanding reading assessments and what assessment data means;
- reading benchmarks, progress monitoring, and growth over time;
- why early intervention matters;
- questions to ask during parent-teacher conferences;
- building positive partnerships with your child's school; and
- supporting reading success both at school and at home.
SESSION 2 | From Concern to Confidence: Understanding Your Child's Reading Support
October 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
"My child was placed in reading intervention... what does that actually mean?"
Receiving a letter from school or hearing the word "intervention" can feel overwhelming. This session helps families understand the support schools provide and how reading intervention is designed to help children become successful readers.
Topics include:
- what reading intervention is—and why it may be recommended;
- understanding reading deficiency letters and school communication;
- the difference between classroom instruction and intervention;
- how schools use Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to identify and support struggling readers;
- reading assessments, progress monitoring, and intervention data;
- how to understand your child's reading reports;
- questions to ask teachers and reading specialists; and
- working together with your child's school to support reading growth.
SESSION 3 | When Progress Isn't Enough: Understanding Next Steps for Reading Support
January 11th, 2027 at 12:00 pm EST
"My child is getting extra help... so why are they still struggling?"
Sometimes children need additional support beyond classroom instruction and intervention. This session helps families understand the next steps schools may consider while encouraging collaborative conversations focused on helping every child succeed.
Topics include:
- what happens when reading progress remains a concern;
- when additional evaluations may be considered;
- the differences between intervention, special education, IEPs, and 504 Plans;
- how schools determine eligibility for additional services;
- what to expect during evaluations and school meetings;
- understanding your role as a collaborative member of the educational team; and
- questions to ask throughout the decision-making process.
SESSION 4 | Celebrating Growth: Understanding Your Child's Literacy Progress and Next Steps
April 12th, 2027 at 12:00 pm EST
"My child made progress this year... but what happens next?"
Understanding your child's growth is just as important as understanding the challenges. Learn how to interpret literacy progress, celebrate successes, and continue supporting reading development beyond the classroom.
Topics include:
- understanding end-of-year reading assessments;
- making sense of literacy data and progress reports;
- recognizing meaningful reading growth;
- supporting reading success at home;
- building literacy into everyday routines;
- preventing the summer slide; and
- preparing for the next school year with confidence.
Every Child Deserves an Informed Team
Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's education—but for many families, the process can feel overwhelming.
Questions about reading instruction, reading assessments, intervention, evaluations, IEPs, 504 Plans, and next steps often leave parents wondering where to turn.
At REED Charitable Foundation™, we believe the strongest outcomes happen when families and schools work together. That's why we created Parent University—a free educational series designed to help families better understand the reading journey, partner with educators, and support literacy success every step of the way.
Our Mission in Action
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read.
As a nonprofit organization, we're committed to making evidence-based literacy education accessible—not just for teachers, but for the families who support children every day.
When families understand how reading develops and schools have informed partners, children benefit.
Because of the generosity of our donors and supporters, Parent University is offered completely FREE to families and educators.
No memberships
No subscriptions.
No hidden costs.
Just practical, research-based information that empowers families to effectively support their child's reading journey.
Ready to Begin the Journey?
Register once and receive:
invitations to all four live Parent University sessions;
recordings after every webinar;
practical tools and knowledge you can use immediately; and
a trusted partner as you navigate your child's reading journey.
Why Families Love Parent University
FREE
Because every family deserves access to trusted literacy information.
Register Once
One registration gives you access to the entire four-part series.
Attend Any or All Sessions
Join us live whenever you're able. Every session also includes a recording.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Can't make a session? You'll receive the recording to watch whenever it's convenient.
Practical & Research-Based
Every session is grounded in the Science of Reading and designed to provide practical knowledge families can immediately use.
Families & Educators Welcome
Parents, caregivers, grandparents, teachers, tutors, and school leaders are all welcome.
About REED Charitable Foundation
We believe literacy changes lives.
Through educator training, family education, community partnerships, and innovative literacy initiatives, we're working toward a future where every child has access to effective reading instruction and the opportunity to become a successful reader.
Parent University is one more way we're putting our mission into action—because when families and schools work together, children thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parent University really free?
Yes! Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, Parent University is offered at no cost to families and educators.
Do I have to attend all four sessions?
No. Attend the sessions that fit your needs—or join them all! Every session stands on its own.
What if I can't attend live?
Register once, and we'll send you the recording after each session.
Do I need to register for each session?
No. Register once and you'll automatically receive invitations to every Parent University session throughout the year.
Who should attend?
Parents, caregivers, grandparents, educators, tutors, and anyone supporting a child's reading journey.
WHY TRUST PARENT UNIVERSITY?
Research-Based. Nonprofit. Free.
Parent University is developed by literacy experts at REED Charitable Foundation and grounded in the Science of Reading. Our goal isn't to sell services—it's to equip families and educators with trusted, evidence-based information so they can work together to help every child become a confident reader.
As a nonprofit organization, every free resource we provide reflects our commitment to strengthening literacy outcomes for children by supporting both educators and families.
