About iCare reading program

ICARE Program

“iCARE” or Introducing Children to Acceptance through Reading and Education is one such program that works proactively within the Mansfield school system to help explain why some classmates might be different than others.

iCARE utilizes storytime to create a friendly, safe environment where thoughtful questions can be asked and answered. To facilitate classroom discussion, reading volunteers go through an orientation process and are provided with story-specific question and answer cards relating to each book.

Kim Piro has personally researched and approved all of the reading material for the iCARE program. Topics may range from general differences to more specific disabilities including autism and Down’s Syndrome. Parents and reading volunteers often suggest new titles for consideration and once approved, these titles are quickly added to our ever expanding iCARE library.

Our program has been very well received by both students and faculty alike and is gaining tremendous momentum. Currently, 37 schools in Massachusetts and 12 other states use the iCARE program as part of their curriculum.