Prime Time Reading Providers

Grants for Prime Time Reading Programs

Prime Time partners with Louisiana-based organizations dedicated to serving our target audience with humanities-based learning and family bonding through literature.

Applicants for our Prime Time Family and Prime Time Preschool grants are accepted for fall and spring sessions. We carefully review each application and will notify you by email of funding or denial within four weeks of the application deadline. Agencies whose applications are denied are encouraged to re-apply for upcoming terms.

View Prime Time Family Grants Ages 6-10 View Prime Time Preschool Grants Ages 3-5

Application Deadlines

For both Prime Time Family and Prime Time Preschool Grants

Spring Programs

Deadline: October 15 for programs beginning between February 18 and May 15

Fall Programs

Deadline: April 15 for programs beginning between September 1 and November 15

Prime Time Family Grants

Prime Time Family Reading grants support humanities-focused programs designed to engage 10 to 25 families and their 6- to 10-year-old children in reading and discussions that instill curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of literature and learning. A storyteller reads a children’s book and a discussion leader guides the group to personally connect with literature and the power of ideas through open-ended questioning. Designed to model strategies for family bonding through literature, the program also provides families with information for continued reading once the program ends.

This format of interactive storytelling and group discussion takes place in the evenings during one 90-minute session per week for six weeks. Spring sites choose any six consecutive weeks between February 18 and June 30. Fall sites can choose six consecutive weeks between August 18 and December 30. Programs require four team members to implement the program.

Each Prime Time Family Reading Grant includes:

Training for 4 team members: 1 Program Coordinator, 1 Preschool Assistant (optional), 1 Scholar and 1 Storyteller
Stipends for 2 site-based team members: $750 for Program Coordinator and $300 for Preschool Assistant
A program support stipend for meals, transportation, door prizes and program supplies
Curriculum materials: Manuals for site-based teams, a set of books for the site and book sets for each participating family to add to their home libraries
A promotional material kit for family recruitment and generating community support
Technical support from Prime Time staff before and during the program

Eligibility Information

Schools, libraries, museums, churches, and other community-based agencies are welcome to apply. Priority is given to agencies targeting educational and economically vulnerable populations.

Applicants must have a valid EIN#
Applicants must provide valid contact information for teams.
Prime Time managers will sometimes contact teams over holidays and summer breaks. If we are not able to contact team members during these times, the program grant may be revoked.
If you have applied for a Prime Time grant previously, please email [email protected] to determine whether an account has been created for your organization

Team Members

Before selecting team members, please review the information below to ensure they fulfill the qualifications and responsibilities for each role. If you are recommending a Scholar or Storyteller who is not already approved by Prime Time, please provide their full contact information on the grant application. Recommendations for new Scholars and Storytellers are welcomed; however, final team selection is finalized by Prime Time staff.

Program Coordinator

Position assigned during application process

Hours: 90 minutes per week for six weeks; planning and preparation time varies

Stipend: $125 per session ($750 total)

Qualifications

Employed by the host site
Understands the community in which the program will operate
Proven ability and willingness to lead a team project
Proven ability and willingness to organize program logistics effectively and in a timely manner
Understands principles of family engagement

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources
Work effectively as a team leader to ensure program success
Schedule and lead an organizational meeting for all team members at least two weeks before program start date
Identify a preschool facilitator to conduct preschool sessions for 3- to 5-year-old siblings each week
Prepare all necessary materials for each program session
Provide a comfortable and suitable environment for the Prime Time program
Provide healthy meals and door prizes using program support stipend and donations
Inventory and store program books
Distribute brochures and posters to recruit participants
Recruit and enroll up to 25 families
Ensure 20 individuals from the target population attend each program session
Call participants each week to remind them to attend program
If transportation is needed, identify mode of transportation and driver and establish route
Promote library services and community resources (5-10 minutes) at each session
Award certificates to participants on final session
Understand data collection and reporting obligations (See Data Packet)
Submit an accurate and complete program data packet and final report within 30 days of the final program session

Preschool Assistant

Position assigned during application process

Hours: 2 1/2 hours per week, including 30 minutes before and after 90-minute program

Stipend: $50 per session ($300 total)

Qualifications

Minimum CDA certificate or associate’s degree
Minimum of 2 years experience working with preschool-aged children
Experience working with the families and parents
Understands child development and developmentally appropriate practices
Understands the principles of early literacy acquisition
Familiar with exploratory center work
Understands principles of family engagement

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Manage the Book Walk activity
Prepare an interactive and stimulating book sharing experience for each session, including songs, finger-plays, puppets, discussion, and exploration time
Prepare three exploratory centers each session
Implement corresponding Picture-Graph Questionnaires for each weekly title
Acquire and manage preschool center supplies
Provide instruction for program volunteers
Attend to the needs of 3 to 5-year-olds present
Assist in room set-up and clean up
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure program success
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources

Scholar

Preference can be requested in application, but final assignment made by Prime Time staff post-grant approval

Hours: 90 minutes per week for 6 weeks plus preparation/reporting time

Stipend: $125 per session ($750 total)

Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; preferably in a humanities field
Proven comfort speaking in front of an audience
Proven ability to co-present
Proven ability to engage diverse audiences

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Strategize with co-facilitator ahead of each program session
Facilitate discussion of themes and issues found in the books
Model and provide inspiration for at-home reading and discussion of books
Guide participants to enhance text comprehension abilities using program strategies
Guide participants to improve critical thinking abilities using program strategies
Prepare adequately ahead of each program session
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure program success

Storyteller

Preference can be requested in application, but final assignment made by Prime Time staff post-grant approval

Hours: 90 minutes per week for 6 weeks, plus preparation/reporting time

Stipend: $125 per session ($750 total)

Qualifications

Experience with storytelling
Knowledge of children’s literature
Proven comfort speaking in front of an audience
Proven ability to co-present
Proven ability to engage diverse audiences

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Strategize with co-facilitator ahead of each program session
Present stories during each program session
Model and provide inspiration for at-home reading and discussion of books
Guide participants to develop a greater interest in reading using program strategies
Prepare adequately ahead of each program session
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure program success

Site Mentor

Assigned by Prime Time staff

Hours: 1-2 site visits (90 minutes each, and phone/web communication

Stipend: $125 per visit

Qualifications

Knowledgeable in the Prime Time Family model
Skilled in mentoring adults
Tactful and supportive manner when working with others
Promotes the program model without compromising quality
Available for and responsive to the needs of the program personnel

Responsibilities

Conduct one site visit on the 2nd and/or 3rd program session
Monitor the program for quality and adherence to the Prime Time model in person, and email or phone as necessary
Make suggestions for improvement of the program as necessary in a tactful manner
Coach or model correct implementation of the various aspects of the program as needed
Inform Prime Time staff members if serious diversions from the program model exist or persist
Be available for consultation and problem solving as needed by phone, online, or in person

Program Manager

Assigned by Prime Time staff

Responsibilities

Creates and sends application decision packets/letters
Creates and maintains program folders
Chooses and contracts with non site-based team members
Ensures timely receipt of application agreements from approved sites
Ensures timely processing and receipt of program support stipend
Contracts Site Mentors
Ensures team member training
Ensures mentors understand their role, receive copies of the mentor protocol, conduct necessary site visits, and complete the necessary reports
Ensures team member and mentors access to program planning, implementation, and reporting resources
Provides direct guidance to team members on issues that cannot be resolved by the mentor
Conducts a site visit when necessary
Ensures team member comprehension of program policies
Ensures team member comprehension and completion of data obligations
Ensures timely program closeout
Ensures timely processing and receipt of mentor and team member stipends
Evaluates mentor performance at the end of each term
Completes a program quality checklist for sites

Volunteers

Recruited by program coordinator

Volunteers may be used to assist the Program Coordinator and Community Organizer with implementation tasks. Possible volunteer groups to contact: Friends of the Library, church groups, fraternities and sororities, Mortar Board, Key Club, Altrusa Club, library science classes or library club members (to present stories for 3- to 5-year-old group).

Stipends

Apply for a Family Grant

Prime Time Preschool Grants

Prime Time Preschool Reading Grants introduce families with children ages 3 to 5 to the power of curiosity and communication through humanities-based, age-appropriate storytelling, discussion, and literary exploration via center-based play. Trained facilitators read award-winning children’s books and guide groups of 10 to 15 families to connect with literature through open-ended questioning and exploration activities. The program models strategies that encourage family bonding, reading, and critical thinking through the discussion and exploration of literature.

The format is interactive story sharing and group discussion that takes place in one 90-minute session per week for six weeks. Spring sites choose any six consecutive weeks between February 18 and June 30. Fall sites can choose six consecutive weeks between August 18 and December 30. Programs require three team members to implement the program.

Each Prime Time Preschool Grant includes:

Training for 3 site-based team members: 1 Program Coordinator and 2 Preschool Facilitators
Stipends for 3 site-based team members: $750 for Program Coordinator and $750 for Preschool Facilitators
Program support stipend for meals, transportation, door prizes and program supplies
Curriculum materials: Manuals for site-based teams, a set of books for the site and book sets for each participating family to add to their home libraries
Promotional material kit for family recruitment and generating community support
Technical support from Prime Time staff before and during the program

Team Members

Program Coordinator

Position assigned during application process

Hours: 90 minutes per week for six weeks; planning and preparation time varies

Stipend: $125 per session ($750 total)

Qualifications

Employed by the host site
Understands the community in which the program will operate
Proven ability and willingness to lead a team project
Proven ability and willingness to organize program logistics effectively and in a timely manner
Understands principles of family engagement

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources
Work effectively as a team leader to ensure program success
Schedule and lead an organizational meeting for all team members at least two weeks before program start date
Identify a preschool facilitator to conduct preschool sessions for 3- to 5-year-old siblings each week
Prepare all necessary materials for each program session
Provide a comfortable and suitable environment for the Prime Time program
Provide healthy meals and door prizes using program support stipend and donations
Inventory and store program books
Distribute brochures and posters to recruit participants
Recruit and enroll up to 25 families
Ensure 20 individuals from the target population attend each program session
Call participants each week to remind them to attend program
If transportation is needed, identify mode of transportation and driver and establish route
Promote library services and community resources (5-10 minutes) at each session
Award certificates to participants on final session
Understand data collection and reporting obligations (See Data Packet)
Submit an accurate and complete program data packet and final report within 30 days of the final program session

Preschool Facilitators

Preschool Facilitator

Two needed

Hours: 2 1/2 hours per week, including 30 minutes before and after 90-minute program

Stipend: $125 per session ($750 total)

Qualifications

Minimum CDA certificate or associate’s degree
Minimum of 2 years experience working with preschool-aged children
Experience working with preschool families and parents
Understands child development and developmentally appropriate practices
Understands the principles of early literacy acquisition
Familiar with exploratory center work
Understands principles of family engagement
Can communicate effectively with parents in a warm, encouraging way
Can communicate respectfully with young children in a warm, friendly way
Demonstrates the ability to generate excitement and enjoyment around reading with young children

Responsibilities

Attend a Prime Time training before the start of the program
Present pre-literacy activities and attend to the needs of 3 to 5-year-olds along with parents and volunteers
Prepare an interactive and stimulating book-sharing experience for each session, including songs, finger-plays, puppets, discussion, and exploration time
Prepare three exploratory centers each session
Manage the Book Walk activity
Acquire and manage preschool center supplies
Provide instruction for program volunteers
Implement corresponding Picture-Graph Questionnaires for each weekly title
Assist in room set up and clean up
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure program success
Adhere to program policies and strategies in support manuals and online resources

Site Mentor

Assigned by Prime Time staff

Hours: 1-2 site visits (90 minutes each), and phone/web communication

Stipend: $125 per visit

Qualifications

Minimum of a master’s degree in early education or a related field
Minimum of three years’ experience in early childhood education
Knowledgeable in the Prime Time Preschool model
Skilled in mentoring teachers
Tactful and supportive manner when working with others
Promotes the program model without compromising quality
Available for and responsive to the needs of the program personnel

Responsibilities

Conduct one site visit on the 2nd and/or 3rd program session
Monitor the program for quality and adherence to the Prime Time Preschool model in person, and email or phone as necessary
Make suggestions for improvement of the program as necessary in a tactful manner
Coach or model correct implementation of the various aspects of the program as needed
Inform Prime Time staff members if serious diversions from the program model exist or persist
Be available for consultation and problem solving as needed by phone, online, or in person

Site Monitor

Assigned by Prime Time staff

Responsibilities

Creates and sends application decision packets/letters
Creates and maintains program folders
Chooses and contracts with non site-based team members
Ensures timely receipt of application agreements from approved sites
Ensures timely processing and receipt of program support stipend
Contracts Site Mentors
Ensures team member training
Ensures mentors understand their role, receive copies of the mentor protocol, conduct necessary site visits, and complete the necessary reports
Ensures team member and mentors access to program planning, implementation, and reporting resources
Provides direct guidance to team members on issues that cannot be resolved by the mentor
Conducts a site visit when necessary
Ensures team member comprehension of program policies
Ensures team member comprehension and completion of data obligations
Ensures timely program closeout
Ensures timely processing and receipt of mentor and team member stipends
Evaluates mentor performance at the end of each term
Completes a program quality checklist for sites

Volunteers

Eligibility Information

Eligible Prime Time Preschool Reading grant applicants can be early childhood centers, child care centers, Head Start programs, schools, libraries, museums, churches, and other community-based agencies. Priority is given to agencies targeting educational and economically vulnerable populations.

Applicants must have a valid EIN# to apply
Applicants must provide valid contact information for teams.
Prime Time managers may contact teams over holidays and Summer breaks. If we are not able to contact team members during these times, the program grant may be revoked.
If you have previously applied for a Prime Time grant, please email [email protected] to determine whether an account has already been created for your organization.

Program Support Stipend

Each program has the option to accept a $1,000 program support stipend to implement the program. It is possible to implement the program without accepting the stipend. Please check to ensure the applicant agency is able to receive the stipend before completing the application. If the agency can accept the stipend, indicate to which agency or party the payment should be made.
All applications are processed through Foundant Online Grants Manager. Please log in or create an account and then find the application for either Prime Time Family Reading or Prime Time Family Preschool to apply.

Apply for a Preschool Grant