American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter IV

Reach Out and Read is a practice-based early-literacy program, where physicians give a developmentally-appropriate new book to children ages 6 months through 5 years old, during well-child visits. Physicians counsel families about the importance of reading aloud daily with their children, and promote the love of reading and books in the exam and waiting rooms. For many children we serve, the books provided at these visits are the only ones they have in their home. Parents report that they read aloud more often because their doctor has told them it is the single-most important thing they can do to help their child develop a love of books and reading, which in turn prepares them to enter school ready to learn. Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based program: children who participate in the program enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills. We currently have 60 participating practices/clinics, and provide books and counseling to over 75,000 young children.