100 Books Before Kindergarten
Building Home Libraries. Growing Lifelong Readers.At Elm Tree Christian Child Care, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens in a child’s lap with a book.That’s why we are launching our 100 Books Before Kindergarten initiative, a special literacy program running from June 2026 through June 2028. During this time, our goal is simple but powerful:Every child enrolled at Elm Tree will receive up to 100 books before they head off to kindergarten. For children who attend for the full program period, this means one book each week for 100 weeks. Children who join for a shorter time will still build their own growing home library while they are with us The goal is simple... every child deserves books of their own.
Why This Matters
Research consistently shows that children who grow up surrounded by books develop stronger language skills, early literacy skills, and a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. Many families do not have easy access to a home library so through this program, Elm Tree hopes to:
• Help children build their own personal book collections
• Encourage daily family reading routines
• Strengthen early literacy and school readiness
• Create joyful memories of reading together
Books aren’t just for learning — they are for connection, imagination, and comfort.
How It Works
Each week, children will receive a carefully selected picture book that is perfect for Preschool and Pre-K learners.
Books will be:
📚 High-quality children’s literature
📚 Age-appropriate for ages 3–5
📚 Designed to inspire imagination, curiosity, and conversation
Children will take their books home to keep forever, slowly building a library they can grow with. Each book will also include a special sticker inside recognizing the community sponsor who helped provide it.
What Sponsorship Looks Like
Sponsors help provide one week of books for Elm Tree students.
A typical sponsorship includes:
• Providing books for 33 children
• Recognition with a sponsor sticker inside each book
• Social media shout-outs from Elm Tree
• Opportunity to visit Elm Tree and read the sponsored book to the children (our kids LOVE guest readers!)
• Optional opportunity to share information about your organization with families
It’s a wonderful way to support early literacy while connecting with local families.
Want to Sponsor a Week? Fill out the form, and Ms. Maggy will connect with you to share more information about how to become a sponsor!
Contact
Small School. Big Impact.
Elm Tree Christian Child Care is proud to serve families in the Villa Park community and is recognized through ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle of Quality for our commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
Our school may be small — but our mission is mighty.
And through programs like 100 Books Before Kindergarten, we are helping build brighter futures one book at a time.