SEATTLE – Washington State estimates that 75 percent of its lowest income children are not ready for school by kindergarten age.

Now, a program that targets little ones and their parents is being hailed for bridging the education gap.

KING

Saadia Hamid reading books with Jonathan

Saadia Hamid is a frequent visitor to Aster's son Jonathan's Seattle home.

While Saadia is affectionately known as the play-lady, what she's doing here is important work.

Saadia is part of the Parent-Child Home Program.

Twice weekly she comes to teach 3-year-old Jonathan how to read, concentrate and communicate. She's also a model for Jonathan's mother so she can learn to be a better teacher to her son.

Jonathan and his mom are from East Africa. Two years ago, Jonathan spoke only his native language. After two years of two weekly visits from Saadia, that's all changed.

Two times a week parents are encouraged to go to play-and-learn groups. There, they meet other kids, other parents, interact and do things like crafts.

Dr. Kathryn Barnard is an early learning expert who gives this program gold stars. She says low-income and immigrant children who get early intervention like this are much more apt to finish high school. Those who don't, are at a deficit.

"With poor ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings, very often they become more aggressive," she said. "And then if you look later, that's highly related to their completion of high school."

Jonathan and his mother have now completed the Parent-Child Home Program.

Little Jonathan's next goal: a high-school diploma.

The Atlantic Street Center, Neighborhood House, and Southwest Youth and Family Services provide the Parent-Child Home Program. All are applying for state funding to try and sustain and expand the program.