Academic Beginnings for Children (ABC)

"Read 20 minutes every day with your child"

ABC News

About ABC

The Lake Stevens Education Foundation (LSEF) is a non-profit charitable organization managed by the volunteer efforts of the Foundation's Board of Directors. The Foundation was organized in 1993 by parents, community members and school district administrators for the purpose of providing an alternative source of support for district programs and scholarships. LSEF is a separate entity from the school district.

During the 2005 - 2006 school year, LSEF formed ABC (Academic Beginnings for Children) coalition with the Lake Stevens School District and SnoIsle Libraries. ABC's mission is to support early education for children within the Lake Stevens School District to better ensure that they are equipped with the basic literacy skills to succeed in school. ABC supports children's acquisition of early literacy by providing programs, materials, activities and events that engage families and help them improve their child's potential for success in school. The goal of ABC is by 2010, 90% of 5 year old children in the Lake Stevens School District will enter kindergarten equipped with basic early literacy skills that are necessary to succeed in school.

ABC and SnoIsle Libraries cosponsored three Nancy Stewart Concerts for over 900 preschool and kindergarten children and their care givers. Each child received a book bag with a book, CD of Nancy's music, Library card and reading/instructional materials. ABC has also sponsored workshops for preschool educators and child care providers, which educate participants on ways to prepare children for kindergarten.