The Literacy Mentors assist the teachers with implementing the various literacy materials that have been purchased through the program. These Literacy Mentors provide teachers with suggestions for improving the literacy environment in the classroom and assist the teachers in choosing materials that are necessary to implement these procedures. Mentors observe the teaching moments and provide teachers with ideas for improvement. Mentors administer several assessments to gain knowledge to the needs of the children. They share this information with the teachers to better improve the teaching styles that may be needed for each individual child. The Lead Mentor coordinates the efforts of the mentoring staff.

     The Speech and Language Coordinator administers assessments to determine whether a child needs further assistance to improve their speech and language. If delays are recognized, children are referred and may be given and IEP so that their needs can be met. Therapists will work one on one with the child, to improve their speech and their understanding of language and sounds. If children do not meet the IEP requirements, the Speech and Language Coordinator works along with the teacher to ensure that the child is worked with individually, to improve their speaking ability, as well as their phonemic awareness and alphabet knowledge.

     The Literacy Advocates conduct monthly parent meetings to assist parents with enhancing the literacy environment in the child’s home. Materials are provided to each family that attends. Important information is shared with the families. This information gives families the knowledge that they need to improve their child’s literacy skills. The Literacy Advocates contact parents each month and parents are given the option to discuss improvement of literacy skills with the Advocates, by an appointment, by phone, by attending meetings or by home visits. Information that has been provided at the meetings is made available to those that were unable to attend. The Literacy Advocates also oversee Family Resource Libraries, which are located in each county. The libraries contain a vast supply of books, games, videos, flashcards, puzzles and other materials that are available for check out to each family. Computers with internet access are also available for parents use. The Family Literacy Advocate Coordinator coordinates the efforts of the Literacy Advocates.

     The Literacy Assistants work in the classrooms, under the direction of the teacher. They work along with the teachers to ensure that literacy enhancement goals are reached each day. These Literacy Assistants work one on one with the children, prepare literacy activities and materials for the children and assist in any other way that will improve the literacy rich classroom environment. Literacy Assistants make copies of the monthly classroom curriculum for the teachers and prepare them for use by the children. They also assist in the distribution and inventory of the Raising A Reader bags each week.

     The Procurement Officer assists the teachers and other Project ROAR staff in gathering information for the purchase of materials for the classrooms, offices, monthly meetings, monthly Professional Development and for the Resource Libraries. Once the Procurement Officer had found the information needed they prepare cost comparisons and order these necessary materials for the program.