Huron and Perth Counties – Strong Start® Charitable Organization is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), bringing its evidence-based Letters, Sounds and Words™ program to schools across the region. This initiative supports early literacy development by offering targeted one-on-one support to children in Year 2 Kindergarten through Grade 2, helping them become confident and capable readers.
Letters, Sounds and Words is a 10-week program rooted in the Science of Reading and aligned with Ontario’s language curriculum. Designed for children aged 5 to 9, it pairs each child with a trained Volunteer Coach for weekly sessions that make learning both fun and impactful. Through interactive games and hands-on activities, children build skills in letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sound blending, and word reading—the foundations of early literacy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Strong Start in order to support our efforts to ensure all AMDSB students begin their educational journey with us with a strong foundation in reading skills.” said Graham Shantz, Director of Education, AMDSB. “Letters, Sounds and Words supports the latest research in reading development and we look forward to having our youngest students benefit from this engaging program.”
“When children are given the right support at the right time, it transforms their future,” said Machelle Denison, Chief Executive Officer of Strong Start. “Through our partnership with AMDSB, we’re helping children build essential literacy skills, grow in confidence, and feel supported by a community that believes in their potential.”
This partnership is part of Strong Start’s campaign to bring Letters, Sounds and Words to 750 schools in 750 days. Since 2001, the organization has helped more than 60,000 children strengthen their reading skills through free, curriculum-aligned programs. With proven literacy gains and a volunteer-led model that’s easy to implement, Strong Start is redefining how communities support early learners.
To learn more about the Letters, Sounds and Words program, click here.
Interested in volunteering? Community members can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life by becoming a Strong Start® Volunteer Coach. To learn more or to sign up, click here.
About Strong Start® Charitable Organization
Strong Start is a Canadian charity dedicated to transforming children’s lives through literacy. For nearly 25 years, the organization has supported young learners in building the skills and confidence needed to become lifelong readers. Its programs are grounded in research, curriculum-aligned, and delivered through strong partnerships with schools, educators, families, and thousands of trained volunteers.
From its flagship Letters, Sounds and Words program to early intervention initiatives like Get Ready for School™ and Baby Connections®, Strong Start meets children where they are and provides the support they need to thrive. Free for families and easy to implement in classrooms and community settings, these programs deliver measurable results.
About The Avon Maitland District School Board
The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) serves communities across Huron and Perth counties, overseeing 39 schools that support learners from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Committed to equity, well-being, and academic excellence, the board provides a safe, inclusive environment where nearly 16,000 students are empowered to succeed.
Guided by its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, AMDSB works collaboratively with families, staff, and community partners to nurture confident, compassionate learners and prepare them for lifelong success.