Pediatrics

Reach Out and Read is an evidence‑based early literacy program that integrates reading guidance into routine pediatric care. The program encourages families to make shared reading a daily habit, supporting healthy development and strengthening parent-child relationships.

During well‑child visits, clinicians talk with parents about the benefits of reading aloud from infancy and demonstrate simple ways to engage children with books. Guidance is tailored to each child’s developmental stage, emphasizing the use of pictures, text, and interactive reading to foster early language and literacy skills.

Each child receives a new, developmentally appropriate book at their visit, with options available in multiple languages. For many families who have few or no books at home, the program helps children gradually build their own home library. Reach Out and Read reinforces parents’ roles as their child’s first teacher, promoting early learning, bonding, and school readiness through shared reading.

A typical day for participating sites involves selecting a book for children during well-child visits. Providers use the book as a tool to support milestone assessments: for younger children, this might include grip strength and eye-tracking movements, while older children may practice shape and color recognition or reading skills. Providers then explain the benefits of daily reading for both caregivers and children, and give the book to take home with encouragement to read together regularly.

Donations are always welcome to support this program. All pediatric residents complete Reach Out and Read training, which provides a comprehensive overview of the program and its integration into well-child visits. For more information, please contact the Reach Out and Read office.