Reach Out and Read

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
  • 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

  • Partnership with medical providers to incorporate early literacy promotion programming into regular checkups
  • Begins in infancy at the new born checkup, continues through age 5
  • Medical professionals supply developmentally appropriate books and give parents guidance and support for reading together with their children
Issue Areas
Early childhood
Outcomes
Kindergarten readiness
Strategies
Supports for expecting parents and families with young children
Early childhood curricula and interventions
Target Population
Children under 5
Cost per Participant
$20 per child per year

Evidence and impacts

Proven

Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps

  • Increased time spent reading, improved early literacy environment and language skills
  • Demonstrated effectiveness with African American and Latino parents, including parents who speak English as a second language

Best practices in implementation

  • Providers should register with Reach Out and Read via their website to receive technical assistance in setting up and maintaining the program.
  • Ensure that more than 75 percent of medical providers take the online Reach Out and Read core training to ensure the program is carried out with fidelity to the model.
  • Make books easily accessible in the clinic. It should be easy for medical providers to gather some books before starting the visit.
  • Consider student appropriateness when choosing books. Make sure linguistically and culturally appropriate books are available.
  • Plan for program sustainability, including funding and designating a Site Coordinator on staff to manage the program.

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