Reach Out and Read
- This strategy can help address educational disparities. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
Incorporating early literacy into pediatric care: Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that integrates books and reading into pediatric care to support early literacy and school readiness in young children. The program operates in healthcare settings and provides age-appropriate books to children during wellness visits. Reach Out and Read aims to improve children’s language skills and reduce educational disparities.
Fostering early literacy through collaborative healthcare initiatives: Reach Out and Read employs a collaborative delivery model that involves multiple stakeholders working together to promote early literacy. To ensure widespread implementation, Reach Out and Read forms partnerships with hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and early childhood programs. These partners support the distribution of books and the incorporation of literacy promotion into pediatric health care.
Integrating literacy check-ins into wellness appointments: Reach Out and Read activities are incorporated into regular child wellness visits. Healthcare providers introduce the program, provide age-appropriate books to the child, and discuss the importance of reading aloud with parents. They offer guidance on reading techniques, such as using different voices and encouraging interaction, and address any questions or concerns related to literacy or language development.
Adapting to children’s different needs: Reach Out and Read empowers families by providing guides for families and medical providers of children with disabilities, and materials for Spanish speaking families to create a literacy-rich environment and enhance children’s language and cognitive development.
- Strategies
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Supports for expecting parents and families with young childrenEarly childhood curricula and interventions
- Cost per Participant
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$20 per child per year
Multiple studies with rigorous designs demonstrate that Reach Out and Read is a well-supported strategy for promoting early literacy.
- A 2016 research synthesis found that participation in Reach Out and Read is associated with increased time spent reading.
This content is currently under review.
Register for program setup assistance: After a partnering healthcare system registers for program setup assistance, they have access to implementation guidance, training and professional development, program materials and resources, technological assistance, and on-going support. More than 75 percent of medical providers at the implementing facility should take the program’s online core training to ensure the program is carried out in accordance with the model.
Create a literacy-rich environment within healthcare systems: Incorporating Reach Out and Read to create a literacy-rich environment involves strategically placing age-appropriate books throughout the healthcare setting, including waiting areas and exam rooms. Creating cozy reading corners with comfortable seating and engaging visuals can encourage children and families to explore books. Additionally, displaying literacy resources, such as reading tips and book recommendations, and organizing interactive reading activities or events can further enhance the literacy-rich atmosphere and promote a love for reading in children.
Plan for program sustainability: Partnering healthcare systems should designate a site coordinator to oversee and manage the implementation of the program. Their responsibilities would include coordinating book orders, distribution, and tracking, ensuring an adequate supply of age-appropriate books for each child’s visit. Additionally, the coordinator would provide training and support to healthcare providers, educate parents about the program’s benefits, and foster partnerships with community organizations.
Considering the background of the children served: By offering a diverse range of books that reflect the linguistic and cultural background of the children and families being served, Reach Out and Read programs can create a more inclusive and engaging reading experience. This practice not only respects the diversity of the community but also enhances the children’s connection to the stories, fostering a love for reading and promoting cultural understanding.
Collaborating with community institutions and organizations: Reach Out and Read programs often collaborate with local libraries, community-based groups, and other literacy-focused initiatives.These partnerships help expand access to books, provide additional resources for families, and create a comprehensive approach to promoting early literacy.