IN WINCHESTER, the Southern Association for Reading Advancement (SARA) Early Learning Center is addressing one of the most critical — and often overlooked — needs in early childhood education: literacy. Founded to support children at the earliest stages of learning, SARA operates on a clear conviction that strong reading and language skills are essential not only for academic success but also for confidence, communication, and long-term development.
SARA is led primarily by Garrett and Hannah Davis, a husband-and-wife team who combine business leadership with educational experience and a shared passion for literacy. Garrett serves as chairman of the board and was the original visionary behind the program. Hannah serves as director of curriculum and interim preschool director, shaping both the academic philosophy and the day-to-day learning environment. They are supported by Program Director Kerry Lynn, who also assists weekly in the preschool, along with board members Rachel and Shane Charles.
The inspiration for SARA began in a simple but profound moment. Hannah was privately tutoring a neighboring third grade student who was significantly behind academically and had not yet learned his letters. With consistent, focused instruction over several weeks, the child began to recognize letters, read three-letter words, and form early sentences. The transformation was swift and unmistakable.
Seeing how quickly intentional literacy instruction could alter a child’s educational trajectory prompted Garrett to consider a larger question: What if that same impact could be expanded to serve more children across the community?
“Literacy is foundational to everything,” Hannah explained. “It affects every academic subject, but it also shapes how children communicate, understand the world around them, and develop confidence.”
With a background in writing, teaching, and linguistics, Hannah emphasized that language is central to human identity and development. “Children naturally crave language,” she said. “Our responsibility is to give them the tools to use it well.”
This philosophy guided SARA’s earliest outreach efforts, including free summer literacy camps hosted in partnership with the Franklin County Public Library. The camps introduced families to SARA’s instructional approach while prioritizing accessibility for children who may not otherwise have access to structured academic support.
“As a nonprofit, it was important for us to serve children who might be overlooked,” Hannah said. “Offering the camps for free aligned directly with our mission.”
‘The camps also served another important purpose: building trust within the community. “Parents are entrusting us not only with their children’s care, but with their educational foundation,” she added. “Transparency and community connection were essential as we worked toward opening our preschool.”
In August 2025, SARA opened its first early learning center with an inaugural class of five preschool students. With Heather Dunn serving as the preschool teacher, the center operates as a full-time, structured preschool rather than a traditional daycare, where learning is intentionally woven into every part of the day.
“We are very clear with parents that learning happens all day,” Hannah explained. “From our schedule to the materials we use, everything is intentional.”
The preschool is a screen-free environment designed to support focus, social interaction, and language development. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction, while ongoing observation ensures that students continue to grow both academically and developmentally.
As the lead teacher, Dunn plays a central role in the classroom’s success. Working closely with students across subject areas, she maintains predictable routines that help establish comfort, accountability, and a genuine love for learning. Her consistent presence and intentional instruction allow students to thrive in an environment that feels both structured and nurturing. SARA’s mission centers on educating the mind, body, and spirit. While the organization is currently exploring opportunities to expand faith-based programming, its daily practice focuses on character development through values such as honesty, integrity, empathy, and respect.
“At this age, education is about more than academics,” Hannah noted. “Children are learning how to interact with others, regulate their emotions, and understand responsibility.”
One of the most significant challenges SARA seeks to address is the impact of excessive screen time on early literacy and child development. Hannah observed that many children struggle with attention, communication, and motivation to read due to constant digital stimulation — patterns that often continue into adolescence and adulthood.
SARA’s confidence in its approach comes from what they see daily in the classroom. Students are read to multiple times a day, practice phonics and handwriting, engage in syllable work, and even learn basic sign language to strengthen communication skills. Just as importantly, they are given space to develop a genuine relationship with books.
“Our students choose books during free time,” Hannah said. “They ask to practice letters. That tells us the environment is working.”
Looking ahead, SARA recently secured state certification for its preschool and plans to pursue state funding to expand enrollment, with a particular focus on serving low-income families. The organization also hopes to hire additional teachers to offer enrichment opportunities such as music and language instruction. Long-term goals include developing tutoring services for school-age children who need extra literacy support.
Community members can support SARA through upcoming fundraisers, events planned for the spring and summer, and by visiting Saraelc.org. Through continued growth, collaboration, and a commitment to intentional education, Garrett and Hannah Davis, through SARA, aim to strengthen literacy access and improve educational outcomes throughout the region — one student at a time. GN
