The Supporting Reading After School Series
By Dr. Veronica Bloomfield ● Available for Booking
In this four-part professional development series, Supporting Reading After School, Dr. Bloomfield helps after school program staff, expanded learning instructors, and site coordinators deepen their understanding of literacy development and the science of reading.
Through practical strategies, collaborative learning, and culturally sustaining approaches, participants gain the tools and confidence to support a child’s reading and language development during homework time in after school care. The curriculum is available in English and in Spanish.
Strengthening Literacy in After School Care Programs
With a growing emphasis on literacy outcomes and evidence-based reading instruction across California, districts and community organizations are seeking meaningful ways to align after-school programming with literacy priorities and expand learning beyond the school day.
That’s why Dr. Bloomfield created the Supporting Reading After School series. After-school programs play a vital role in supporting student success. Program staff are uniquely positioned to reinforce reading, language, and communication skills through meaningful daily interactions with students.
Through practical examples and collaborative learning, Dr. Bloomfield helps programs strengthen literacy experiences while supporting evolving educational and funding priorities. As a trusted partner and experienced literacy specialist, she works alongside California schools and community organizations to expand literacy opportunities in after-school settings, helping children continue developing critical literacy skills beyond school hours.
Topics Covered
Designed by a Dr. Bloomfield, a former district administrator, teacher, and literacy expert, this program builds the capacity of expanded learning professionals and after school staff to become active partners in student literacy development. Rooted in research-based literacy practices, participants learn how to create literacy-rich experiences that reinforce and extend classroom learning through the following topics:
✔ The Science of Reading
Components designed especially for families
✔ Oral Language Development
Build academic language with multilingual learners
✔ Engaging Activities
Exercises that strengthen literacy & language skills
✔ A Culture of Reading
Creating program practices that promote literacy and engagement
✔ Growing Together
Nurturing connections and helping us “read the world”
Why this Series Works
Evidence-Based & Accessible: Research-informed literacy concepts presented in practical ways that expanded learning staff can apply immediately.
Culturally & Linguistically Sustaining: All curriculum is available in English and Spanish, specifically designed to meet the needs of multilingual learners and diverse communities.
Interactive & Collaborative: Participants engage in discussion, guided practice, demonstration lessons, and hands-on learning that connects directly to real-world after-school settings.
Results
Participants will engage in guided practice and collaborative learning throughout the series, developing the skills and confidence to:
Explain the components of learning to read and the power of literacy.
Support a culture of reading in expanded learning settings.
Model language registers and situational appropriateness for students.
Promote vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
Value and affirm cultural and linguistic diversity.
Apply literacy strategies that positively impact student learning and engagement.
About the Presenter
Dr. Bloomfield is a literacy expert who understands the systemic challenges and opportunities faced by Southern California school districts, staff, and families. She has 20+ years of trusted experience and leadership in education. Read full bio.
🎓 Ph.D. in Education, Cultural and Curricular Studies
📖 Certified Reading Specialist and CA teacher
🗣️ Equity focus, building a culture of reading that values every family's language
Bring the Supporting Reading Afterschool Series to your program, district, or organization this year.
Strengthen the partnership between schools and families to support literacy growth beyond the classroom. Equip families with the literacy tools they need to instill a love of reading and language at home.