Are any of them now teachers? parents? Are they reading to their children the way teachers and parents used to read to them?

From their earliest days at Pio de Simo Preschool on the south side of the city, tens of thousands of Tucson children have received their first book through the Make Way program.

Here’s the line of “Alumni” in a row… well, Isel Saravsky I wish I knew, but now we have too many meetings, too many Zoom calls, too many. people who speak.

“There are so many people I want to talk to,” Saravsky laughs, but Make Way has a great story to tell and wants to share it with everyone.

Saravsky moved into the director’s office in January, just before Make Way for Books celebrated its 25th anniversary. At first glance, this mission seemed like child’s play. No, really. Since its inception, Make Way has provided more than 750,000 of his books to kindergartens and preschoolers in Pima County.

But if you scratch the surface, Make Way for Books will soon be expanding its reach to the entire state of Arizona. That is why the days are not long enough for the new Director General.

“It started a couple of years ago when I applied for a grant with the Pima County Department of Education,” Saravsky explained. “They suggested that we also consult statewide offices. The state is putting a new emphasis on early childhood education. I wondered if it could be expanded.”

Make Way for Books already has satellite stores in Chandler and Avondale. An office in Phoenix is ​​expected to open later this year. Flagstaff and Shinle are also considering new initiatives.

“It’s an exciting time,” Saravsky said. “Our mission is Help every child read and succeed. It would be great if we could help more children, but it has to be done in a thoughtful way. “

One of our priorities is to tailor each regional program to the specific needs of that community.

“We simply cannot think that the programs we have developed here in Pima County will be needed in Maricopa County and the Navajo Nation north of Flagstaff. So now we’re spending a lot of time getting to know those communities, trying to learn what they need and how we can help. increase.”

Here in Tucson, Make Way for Books offers two basic programs. Both are nuanced enough to help children in families who speak a language other than English at home.

“Story Project” We provide books and teacher support to accredited kindergartens and nursery schools.

Another Make Way program is “School of Stories” Support home care and childcare providers, even grandparents and friends.

“We’ve known for a long time that our kindergarten has less than half the children in Pima County,” Saravsky said. “Most of the 3- and 4-year-olds are at home with their parents, friends and relatives, and we want to help them too.”

Both programs were underpinned by newly developed apps during the pandemic, which proved to be a winning combination. The Library of Congress named it “Make Way for Books”. 2022 America Awards Winners “For outstanding and visible contributions to improving literacy levels in the United States.”

Make Way for Books was founded in 1998 by Mary Jean and Paul Bancroft Law Offices. Its name is affectionately named for the classic picture book Make a Way for the Ducklings.

Their first project was the establishment of a library and reading program at the Pio de Simo kindergarten.

In the 25 years since then, Make Way has helped dozens of kindergartens, thousands of families, and young readers discover the joy of reading.

With a staff of 32 and an operating budget of $2.5 million, the organization has grown, but expanding statewide is a big undertaking.

A family-first college graduate who attended all three public universities in Arizona, Saravski brings a unique skill set to the challenge. She has a degree in Communications, Public Administration and Non-Profit Management.

A young mother herself, Saravsky came to Make Way from the University of Arizona to help develop the school’s online degree program.

She hopes the combination of these experiences will help her organization as it expands.

“When people ask what it takes to expand, the simple answer is ‘everything,'” she said. It helps us grow. This summer, we are thinking and working on such things. we have a lot to do. “

If you’re interested in volunteering for Make Way for Books or want to learn more about the program, you can tour our headquarters on the last Friday of every month. Tours run every hour every morning. To book a visit, please call 520-398-6451.

As if something is missing, Saravski ponders the feasibility of a new program for teachers of kindergarten through second grade. “Children who lost a year or both of preschool because of the pandemic are now entering primary school.

of UA Poetry Center1508 E. Helen Street, will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm until students return for the fall semester in August.