Holyoke Mayor Garcia reads with HCS Head Start students

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Students at the Holyoke, Chicopee and Springfield (HCS) Head Start in Holyoke had a special guest on Monday.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia stopped by to read a ‘Pete The Cat’ book with the students. The book has a special meaning, as the class is currently doing an experiment where they grow caterpillars into butterflies.

22News spoke with Nicole Blais, the CEO of HCS Head Start, about why reading is so important in a child’s development, “It is critical, parents can read books, tell stories, talk at the dinner or breakfast table, to boost vocabulary because we know that that’s a good indicator of a child having a successful kindergarten.”

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services encourages parents to choose books that encourage children to explore and progress by watching, listening, and acknowledging. HCS Head Start recommends, when possible, selecting and using culturally appropriate children’s books in languages other than English.

It is important to read to your child daily to help create the consistency and a sense of stability that children need. Research shows that as they get older, they will become more focused and help tell the story.

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