Childhood Literacy: The Reach Out and Read Program
UHS
Whether they are read, spoken or sung, every word a child hears during their first years of life has a positive impact on his or her rapidly-developing brain. The more words a child is exposed to before age three, the better language skills he or she will acquire. Research proves that this leads to better school readiness and academic achievement, and even impacts eventual IQ.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends early literacy promotion from infancy as an essential component of pediatric care. Pediatric care providers see children for wellness visits 13 times before they turn five, and each of these visits is an opportunity to promote reading activities. The Reach Out and Read program enables UHS pediatricians to do so.