LEER Children's Literacy Program

Why LEER?

The need in our community is great. We know from national research that a student who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate on time (American Education Research Association). Data from Española Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year shows that 75 percent of grade 3-6 students were not proficient in Language Arts, and 80 percent of students in grades K-6 were below proficiency in reading at the beginning of the school year.

LEER’s goal is to instill a love of reading and to improve the overall reading proficiency of the children it serves by 10 percent annually.

How Can You Help?

There are two key factors to improve reading abilities: access to books and reading help and support. Low-income households have nearly half the number of books in the home as higher income households. Income levels also differentiate book borrowing habits, with more affluent families more likely to borrow books from their local library (Scholastic). The inviting and fun-leveled Children’s Library in Kidspace gives access to books to children. Our partnership with the public library and Little Free Library initiative spreads community-wide access.

LEER Children's Library has cultivated an inviting and fun, leveled library that gives access to books to children.

Donate your gently used books by dropping them off or mailing them to McCurdy Ministries, 362A S. McCurdy Rd., Española.

Donate Books

We have created a curated list of books that we would love our students to have the opportunity to read. Click the button below to see our Wishlist on Amazon and buy books that will be sent directly to McCurdy.

Buy Books On Our Wishlist

LEER Amazon Book List

LEER Team

LEER Director

Kercida McClain

Kercida@McCurdy.org

Kercida McClain has a tenured career in children’s advocacy, most recently as the Founder and CEO of the non-profit Project Transformation Rio Texas which served children in Central and South Texas. “I have witnessed first-hand the opening of the world when a child becomes an independent and proficient reader. If you can’t read, you can’t learn. By improving access to books and giving kids reading buddies, we can change the trajectory of their lives." - McClain.

Program Director

Marcela Casaus

Marcela Casaus is a certified elementary school teacher who has worked with children and youth in Northern New Mexico for many years, including as a librarian at the El Rito Public Library, where she ran the Summer Reading Program, and as the Garden Manager/Mentor and Programs Director for the Northern Youth Project. Before teaching, she was certified in Organic Horticulture at UCSC through the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, in which she learned holistic land management and sustainable agricultural practices. She connects her love for children and the natural environment to help them thrive in natural learning spaces, perpetuating curiosity and a desire to learn. She wants to help children discover their gifts, talents, and potential to motivate them to love learning and reading.

Stay Connected

Little outdoor library in front of green lawn

McCurdy Has Been Nominated for a Todd H. Bol Award for Outstanding Achievement

We are proud to announce that McCurdy Ministries has been nominated for a Todd H. Bol Award for Outstanding Achievement! The awards, named for the late founder of the Little Free Library movement, recognize volunteer stewards and supporters who make a meaningful impact in their communities by expanding access to books and fostering a love of reading.

McCurdy Ministries

Summer Reading Tips for Families: Making Literacy Part of the Adventure

Summer is a time for sunshine, play, and a break from the usual school routine—but it’s also an important opportunity to keep young minds engaged. Without regular reading, many children experience the “summer slide,” losing some of the progress they made during the school year. The good news? With a little creativity and consistency, families can turn summer reading into something kids genuinely look forward to.

McCurdy Ministries