Students in kindergarten, first and second grades build foundational skills in early literacy development through the implementation of the “Being a Reader K-2” program which began this school year. “Being a Reader K-2” is a literacy resource developed by the Center for the Collaborative Classroom based on extensive research. The Center for the Collaborative Classroom also developed “Being a Writer,” which was implemented in SJCSD elementary schools last year. Both programs are based on best practices and support the development of the whole child while addressing social-emotional needs in tandem with reading and writing instruction. This is a proactive step in meeting the early literacy needs of every elementary student in St. Johns County.