November 05, 2025
Read On Communities
Read On Greater Surprise is working to improve the school readiness of its community’s young children through a series of free, evidence-based workshops for 4- and 5-year-olds and their caregivers.
Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! is an eight-week series designed to prepare children for the demands of kindergarten in a safe and supportive environment, with curriculum aligned with Arizona’s early learning standards and academic standards for kindergarten.
The program is offered by the Surprise Resource Center, part of the City of Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Department, with funding provided by a community action grant from Read On Arizona.
Families explore early learning activities together, building skills in reading, counting, and social-emotional growth. Free books are also provided to help spark interest in reading and boost early literacy skills.
"Many preschool-age children in our community do not have access to formal early childhood education," said Juan Marquez, early childhood education coordinator for the City of Surprise and community lead for Read On Greater Surprise.
The two-generation program is facilitated by Marquez and Dr. Jamie Lopez, who designed the standards-based curriculum that also aligns with LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) for Early Childhood Educators.
Fourteen children and their caregivers participated in the program conducted this summer. Parents reported that their children are more prepared to start school by learning how to follow routines, interact with other kids, and build basic academic and social skills.
The program also helps build community connections.
“In addition to getting the kids ready for kindergarten, the workshops also help families feel less isolated,” Marquez said. “They learn about other programs and resources offered through the Surprise Resource Center, and many now attend these programs regularly.”
Read On Greater Surprise is also partnering with the Maricopa County Housing Authority to make Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! available to families residing at Heritage at Surprise, the city's 100-unit supportive rental housing community.
“This partnership ensures families can access valuable programs and services, regardless of transportation barriers,” Marquez said. “We look forward to growing this partnership and reaching more families in our community.”
