José Martí Child Development Center will be one out of the five childcare programs in Seattle that will receive part of a three-year, $3 million grant to implement Early Reading First. Early Reading First is a program that strives to improve literacy among children ages 3-5. Mayor Greg Nickels announced that Seattle was one of 29 cities nationwide to receive funding for the implementation of Early Reading First. The program will provide not only books and supplies for teachers and children, but also training and professional development for childcare teachers and making the transition to kindergarten easier for children by increasing family involvement in literacy. Mayor Nickels stated that the goal of this program is to "ensure children enter kindergarten with a better foundation for academic success."