Reading Programs for Preschoolers
In our preschool program, your child will build important beginning phonics skills and start reading simple words and sentences, all while cultivating a love of reading.
Learning to read plays a huge role in your child’s future.
Children at this age learn a lot of important phonics skills and need to practice, practice, practice to feel confident as they start reading. Developing a positive relationship with books motivates beginning readers to keep trying even when reading seems tough.
When your child takes one of our reading programs, you can be sure it will be a fun and effective learning experience. Your child will build the key skills for later success in kindergarten and get really excited about learning to read.
Each Six-Week Online Program Includes:
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Age-Appropriate Books
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Engaging Group Activities & Discussions
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Skill Development & Independent Practice
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1-1 Support
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Certificate of Completion
Every program features high-quality picture books full of relatable characters and beautiful illustrations. These great books motivate and inspire beginning readers.
Your child will participate in six dynamic, live online group classes led by a teacher who specializes in teaching core skills, facilitating thoughtful discussion, and bringing books to life.
In between weekly classes, your child will complete interactive phonics lessons and fun games that build the skills necessary to start reading.
Whether your child needs a little extra help, or you’d like to meet with your child’s teacher, one-on-one appointments are available. You’ll also have access to our on-demand Homework Helpline for added individualized reading support.
At the end of the program, you'll receive a certificate of completion from the teacher with an overview of the core reading skills your child has learned.
Preschool Sessions
We offer five sessions for beginning readers throughout the year. Each session features a unique set of picture books filled with wonderful stories and delightful illustrations, chosen specifically to engage and motivate young readers.
Summer Program for Entering Preschoolers
Available to Start in June and July






Enrollment Opens in February
Early Fall Program for Preschoolers
Available to Start in August and September






Enrollment Opens in June
Late Fall Program for Preschoolers
Available to Start in October and November






Enrollment Opens in August
Spring Program for Preschoolers
Available to Start in March, April, and May






Enrollment Opens in January
What Skills Will Your Child Gain in Our Preschool Program?
Phonics
Phonics instruction teaches kids the relationship between letters and the sounds they stand for. It is at the heart of how children learn to read. In kindergarten, students learn to match letters and their sounds, and begin blending these sounds together in order to read words.
When children develop early phonics skills in our programs, they have a big head start on learning to read. Over time and with practice, they feel a real sense of accomplishment and gain confidence and excitement about reading.
Reading Practice
As preschoolers develop early reading skills, they need practice using them to read short words and simple sentences. Lots of repetition and reinforcement gives them the confidence to keep building additional skills.
In our programs, kids get plenty of practice reading short, decodable online stories. This practice supports the phonics skills students are learning, with words that beginning readers can sound out.
Building a Lifelong Love of Reading
A positive attitude and love of books motivates students to power through the challenges that come with reading.
Our programs give students positive experiences with books that inspire confidence and enthusiasm about reading. Your son or daughter will want to read even more and will develop the habit of reading for pleasure that leads to a lifetime of academic and personal benefits.
Learn more about how a love of reading makes all the difference.
Now Enrolling Winter Programs
View SchedulesTrust Our Reading Expertise
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50+ Years of Experience
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Dedicated Focus on Reading
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High-Quality Teachers
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Integrated Approach
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Outstanding Book Selections
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Assessment Without Tests
The Institute of Reading Development was founded in 1970. Since then, we’ve been endorsed by more than 200 of the country’s most well-respected universities and helped more than three million students succeed with reading.
Unlike organizations that teach too many subjects and specialize in none, we’ve remained focused on what we excel at and love to do: teaching reading.
We are extremely selective in the teachers we hire. They must be intelligent, dynamic, and warm in their communication, with a knack for nurturing participation. Above all, they must have a personal passion for reading.
We provide a truly all-encompassing learning experience that combines group discussion with independent practice and one-on-one support. No other organization integrates skills instruction and guided book discussions the way we do.
We're known for curating the best books for every age. The books in our programs are not only written at the appropriate difficulty level, but also tell exciting and relatable stories that students genuinely love to read.
Tests are often the antithesis of fun. Instead of focusing heavily on testing, we assess students' progress through their work with the teacher and performance on grade-specific reading exercises and activities.
Endorsed by Leading Colleges and Universities







We Excel at Teaching in an Online Environment
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Virtual Program Pioneer
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Specialized Training
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Maximum Participation
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Varied Perspectives
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Small Class Sizes
We introduced our online offering in 2014, making us one of the first educational organizations to offer live online programs for kids. To date, we’ve taught more than 150,000 students online.
Our teachers understand every stage of reading development. They go through intensive training to ensure they are well-prepared to teach core reading skills in a virtual classroom - across all grade levels.
We structure our classes to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Our teachers track participation and call on every student, making sure each child is comfortable and confident reading aloud and sharing their thoughts.
Our programs bring together students from across the country, each with unique backgrounds. It’s a dynamic mix of perspectives you won’t find in any traditional classroom.
We’ve found that the most engaging and effective classes have a max of 15 students. Our average class size is about 13 students, ensuring optimal participation opportunities and individualized attention.
We Make It Easy for Parents
Not only are our programs engaging and enriching for kids, we also strive to make the entire process as stress-free as possible for parents, providing robust support throughout the entire program.
View Parent ResourcesFrom the blog
The Building Blocks of Early Literacy
There’s a lot that kids can learn about books and reading long before they start school. Read on to learn about the building blocks of early literacy, and how you can help your child get off to a great start with learning to read.
Read More about The Building Blocks of Early LiteracyReviews
Read What Parents Have to Say
“Marcel loves jumping online to do his class. The teacher is fantastic and knows how to keep the young ones engaged.”
- Ines, Parent
Read More ReviewsLet the Adventure Begin!
Enroll your child in our preschool reading program today.
Only $249
Plus $39 Materials & Shipping
Questions?
Call 1-800-470-2891
Our knowledgeable advisors can answer questions and help find a schedule that works for your family.