Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in young children. The organization was founded in 1989 by pediatricians Dr. Barry Zuckerman and Dr. Robert Needlman. It operates in partnership with medical providers to incorporate books and literacy guidance into routine pediatric care.

Reach Out and Read's mission is to give young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.

The organization's unique approach involves providing books to children during well-child visits and offering guidance to parents on the importance of reading aloud. Reach Out and Read believes that engaging parents and healthcare providers in early literacy development can positively impact a child's long-term educational outcomes.

Reach Out and Read partners with over 32,000 medical providers, including pediatricians, family physicians, and nurse practitioners, in all 50 U.S. states. During each well-child visit, children aged 6 months to 5 years receive a new, developmentally appropriate book to take home. Additionally, healthcare providers offer guidance to parents about the benefits of reading aloud and strategies for making reading a regular part of family life.

Reach Out and Read's program is based on extensive research showing that early exposure to books and positive parent-child interactions around reading are crucial for language and brain development. The organization continuously evaluates and updates its programs based on the latest scientific findings and best practices.

Reach Out and Read has served millions of children and families since its inception. The program aims to strengthen parent-child bonds, enhance language development, and improve school readiness. Studies have shown that children who participate in Reach Out and Read have better language skills, increased enthusiasm for reading, and improved literacy-related behaviors compared to their peers.

Reach Out and Read encourages community engagement by partnering with local organizations, community leaders, and volunteers. They also collaborate with public libraries and other literacy-focused initiatives to support ongoing reading and book access beyond the healthcare setting.

In addition to direct program implementation, Reach Out and Read advocates for policies and initiatives that support early literacy and education. They work to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy and seek funding to expand their reach and impact.