Reach Out and Read

Pediatricians who work with low-income families at 29 medical clinics in Palm Beach County are giving more than immunizations at well child check-ups. Through the Reach Out and Read program, they advise parents about the importance of reading aloud to their young children. They also give the child, from six months through five years of age, a developmentally and culturally appropriate book to take home. In this way, the family can easily fill the "Prescription for Reading" that is critical to the child’s healthy development.

 

National medical research has demonstrated that Reach Out and Read is an evidence based intervention of proven effectiveness. Peer-reviewed studies published over the past 10 years show that when pediatricians promote literacy, provide guidance about the importance of reading to young children, and give an age-appropriate book for the child to take home, parents have a more positive attitude toward reading to their children and read to their children more often. In addition, several studies have shown a link between Reach Out and Read and improved child language skills. As preschool language ability is one of the most important predictors of later reading success, Reach Out and Read helps children enter school better prepared to learn.

  • Reach Out and Read has successfully promoted language development among English and non-English speaking families by encouraging parents to read aloud and by making books accessible in multiple languages.
  • Children served by the Reach Out and Read program show an increase of 4-8 points on vocabulary tests.
  • By age one, if there are books in the home, children will "demand" to hear them read aloud.
  • Compared to families who have not participated, parents who have participated in Reach Out and Read are significantly more likely to read to their children and they have more children's books in their homes.

2009-2010 Program Outcomes

  • 49,418 new books were distributed to pediatric clinics serving 24,709 children.
  • 3,340 used books were placed in the clinic waiting rooms.
  • 79 medical providers participated.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Reading is a critical building block in the development of a child’s mind. Reach Out and Read introduces children at an early age to the exciting world of books with their pictures and vocabulary. This gives them an opportunity to encounter the basic skills of reading and stimulates their imagination. The joy and excitement that the gift of a book brings to a child is priceless. It is truly an investment in their future and personally rewarding for me.

Dr. Noella Clarke-Aaron, MD
Children's Care Center



You Can Help!

Volunteer to read to children in the waiting rooms of clinics around the county. Contact the Reach Out and Read Coordinator at (561) 279-9103 or email for more information.

Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read Florida