Read Ready Newport reports 137 children enrolled, seeks city partnership on West Newport center

Representatives of Read Ready Newport briefed the Newport Board of Commissioners on May 18 with program metrics and next steps.

Jenny, speaking for Read Ready Newport, said the program has enrolled 137 children ages 0–5 — roughly 30% of an estimated 454 in the city — and offers families access to a bilingual language and literacy app, twice‑weekly developmental‑milestone texts from Children’s Hospital, newsletters and place‑based activities across the river cities network. She described a standing monthly committee and said a Memorandum of Understanding with Covington will be finalized soon to bring Read Ready Covington into the regional network.

Jenny asked the commission to consider partnering on a re‑ready community center in West Newport, planned in the old Salvation Army building on 10th Street, with infant and toddler rooms and family supports. She also announced a new director, Marchelle Watkins Blackwell, joining the program July 1 to expand capacity for outreach and enrollment.

Why it matters: Early intervention programs aim to improve school readiness and health outcomes; the city’s participation could help scale wrap‑around childcare and coordinate public‑private delivery in neighborhoods with limited access to high‑quality childcare.

What was said: "We're bringing that information right to parents' phones because everybody has a phone," Jenny said, describing bilingual app features and automated enrollment routed through readreadyky.org. Rosemary Williams, a committee member, added local outreach plans including yard signs and low‑cost T‑shirts to raise visibility.

Next steps: The commission and staff will be asked to consider partnership terms for a West Newport community center and to coordinate on outreach and potential funding sources.