Last Thursday, Literacy in Community (LINC) showed up for one of the most important days of the year, Dads Take Your Child to School Day (DTYCTSD), a citywide celebration of fathers, families, and the lasting impact of being present!
Very Involved Parents (VIPs) and Dads, Carlos Sabino and Carlos Alejandro joined Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos for a special bilingual Reading Celebration at P.S.189M in Manhattan on the 20th anniversary of DTYCTSD. They read one of our favorites, Tish Rabe’s Central Park You Can See Is the Best Place to Be, in which the Squirrel Family, Mommy, Daddy and their kids, Sunny, Skippy and baby Sky give everyone a tour of an iconic New York City landmark, and remind us of all we can experience for free.
These dads used songs, storytime, and their own experiences to spark conversations about the important role fathers and other positive male figures play in children’s education and development.
“I have learned so much. Coming from a small town in Mexico, I never imagined the accomplishments my family would achieve. We plant little seeds for other families and children to learn and grow with every book we read and every event we support. Education is a necessity, and I want my community to realize this and have access to it.” Carlos Sabino
Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, male mentors, and other caregivers were invited to show up because we know that being present in everyday moments fosters a sense of security and belonging that helps children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. On days like this one, we are reminded how much fathers and father figures help children develop confidence, cope with challenges, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships.
LINC is proud to celebrate a day that inspires year round involvement in more than 500 schools, Head Start programs, and community partners across New York State, and builds the resilience to overcome obstacles and to succeed in school and in life.
Spread the word! New York City’s Department of Youth & Community Development website contains free resources and a story map of the last 20 years!
Congratulations to all of the fathers and father figures who have strengthened this movement from 2006-2026. Register for your next LINC program at www.lincnyc.org/programs.