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1.01.2026
Celebrating Biliteracy, Family Power, and Community Partnerships Across Nevada
In December, the La Fuerza de Familias Latinas team from Literacy Partners spent a week in Nevada connecting with families and community partners around a shared commitment to biliteracy, early literacy, and family engagement. Each stop reinforced a core belief: when parents and caregivers are supported, children’s learning grows stronger.
The week began on December 9 in Las Vegas with the launch of our new Biliteracy workshop at the Discovery Children’s Museum. On December 10, the team traveled to Reno to offer the same workshop at the Sierra View Library. We returned to Las Vegas on December 12 to close the week with a Graduation celebration honoring parents who reached important milestones in their learning journey.
Across Las Vegas and Reno, we led two in-person Biliteracy workshops serving 40 parents and caregivers. Families explored cognates—words that look and sound similar in Spanish and English—and were excited to learn that nearly 20,000 “palabras amigas,” or “word friends,” connect the two languages. Parents left with practical strategies and renewed confidence, knowing they can support early literacy during everyday moments, whether at home, running errands, or spending time together in their community.
Meeting families face-to-face made the experience especially meaningful. We had the joy of reconnecting with Anaand Luis, parents who had previously completed the Parent Journey with Literacy Partners. They arrived full of energy and even brought their two-week-old baby, Steve. Beyond the joy of meeting in person, Ana and Luis helped strengthen local connections by linking us with the Northern Nevada Literacy Council, reconnecting us with First 5 Nevada, and introducing us to other early childhood champions.
In Las Vegas, the team also hosted a Graduation celebration at Discovery Children’s Museum with 45 attendees,including graduates and their families. Parents shared reflections about their growth, confidence, and moments of connection as they used early literacy and STEM strategies at home. Many completed all three Family Engagement Workshops, Early Literacy, Science of Reading, and STEM, along with English classes. Families also enjoyed free access to the museum, making the celebration even more special.
We also introduced new resources, including Science of Reading consejo cards and bilingual cards titled “Yourteacher would like you to ask these questions,” designed to help parents feel confident communicating with their child’s teachers.
During our visit, we were honored to be joined by Rachel Stepnia, Grant Manager for the Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5, from the Office of Early Learning and
Development at the Nevada Department of Education. Hearing directly from parents reaffirmed a shared belief:bilingualism and biliteracy are a superpower, and strong partnerships help families—and children—thrive.
Since 2023, Literacy Partners has supported more than 5,500 parents and caregivers across Nevada through familyengagement workshops, English for Parents classes, and partnerships with school districts, libraries, and community organizations.
We invite parents, caregivers, and early childhood providers across Nevada to continue this journey with La Fuerza de Familias Latinas. Through trusted partnerships and free, research-based workshops, we work alongside families to strengthen early literacy, child development, and bilingual learning at home. Learn more and enjoy our free resources at www.LaFuerzaDeFamiliasLatinas.org
“I came to Las Vegas looking for ways to be a better mother for my daughter. La Fuerza workshops and the English classes helped me lose my fear, communicate with more confidence, and support my daughter at school and in everyday life.”
— Sofia M.
