The Impact of the FERST Foundation for Childhood Literacy on the Home Literacy Environment

This study examined if, among families whose children were enrolled in the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, there was a relationship between the home literacy environment, measured by a scale survey, and the length of time enrolled in the program. Participants were a stratified random sampling from the population of parents in the State of Georgia whose children were enrolled in the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy program. Using a pilot-tested original survey instrument, 2,100 survey packets were mailed to participants. Valid returned surveys totaled 1,082. Pearson correlation revealed a correlation of positive direction but of small strength in the home literacy environment scores. Therefore, this study suggests that a positive relationship does exist between the home literacy environment and the years of enrollment in the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy program.