We are cultivating an environment where all children can grow the reading skills they need to thrive.

When children have strong reading skills by third grade, they are set up for greater academic and financial success – for life.

That’s why forming a solid learning foundation in early childhood is one of the most crucial things we can do to help all children succeed. Raising Readers Nashville is a collaborative community group uniting to improve the systems and structures that support Nashville’s families and young children, cultivating an environment where all children can grow the reading skills they need to thrive.

Domains of Focus

Nashville joins many other communities nationwide in taking a systems change approach by focusing on early childhood learning, family engagement, literacy skill development, and educator support – all with the focus of helping our youngest citizens develop the reading skills they need to thrive.

Early childhood literacy matters.

90% of our brain growth occurs from the ages of zero to five. During this time, the brain is building millions of connections that enable a child’s social and emotional health, regulation, and cognitive function. When we provide a child with a positive, safe environment to explore in these first years, we are helping them have the capability to learn and grow in kindergarten and beyond.

90% of brain growth occurs from ages zero to five.

More about our current actions.

Get to know more about our four domains of focus, our 2025-2026 strategies, and our approach to collaborative efforts. Download our latest report, “Cultivating a Landscape for Learning: Raising Readers Nashville 2025-2026 Strategies.”

Policy and Advocacy

The Raising Readers Nashville Policy Team is in place to serve as both a guide and resource to support the Action Teams in implementing their strategies, as well as supporting their work through advocacy and policy change. Our Policy Team strategies are designed to align with local and state partner efforts, ensuring we are joining efforts at the right time to drive awareness and advancements on policies that make a positive long-term impact on our community. 

Tools and Resources

  • Reports and Findings

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  • Davidson County Child Care Landscape Study

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  • Guide to Expanding Child Care Seats

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About Raising Readers Nashville

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Stay in the loop.

Get quarterly updates on our work in cultivating an environment where all Nashville’s children can grow the reading skills they need to thrive.