About US
Connected Families. Healthy Kids. Prepared for Success.
We empower healthcare providers to talk with parents of young children about the importance of reading aloud at health check-ups with a special focus on children growing up in poverty.
By building on the unique relationship between parents and health care providers, Reach Out and Read Colorado helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills, so children enter school prepared for success.
Prescription for Reading
At regular well-child visits for children from birth to 5 years, the healthcare provider shares a brand new, developmentally- and language-appropriate book with the child and talks with the parent about the importance of reading together. When the visit is over, the family leaves with the book and a prescription for daily reading.
Books & SUpport
Partner clinics receive books, training, and support from Reach Out and Read Colorado. Over 2,100 healthcare providers across the state have been trained to use books as an exam room diagnostic tool to discuss early literacy with parents and evaluate child development.
Resilient Kids & Families
Families that participate in the program read to their children more often, sharing books two or more times per week. Children’s language and reading skills are improved, helping young brains to develop and strengthening bonds between parent and child, before a child ever enters school. When children are set up for success from a young age, the possibilities are endless.
Our Partners
Built on & Backed by science
Reach Out and Read is the only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Reach Out and Read’s effectiveness is consistently supported by independent, peer-reviewed research. Studies show that our model has a significant effect on parental behavior and attitudes toward reading aloud, and that children who participate in our program demonstrate higher language scores. Our impact has been documented in ethnically and economically diverse families throughout the nation.
Families participating in Reach Out and Read are 2.5 times more likely to read to their children.
Children’s language development is improved significantly with Reach Out and Read.
American Academy of Pediatrics Reiterates Shared Reading Supports Children’s Long-Term Health and Well-Being through Relationships
In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the latest research showing the significance of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships as a protective buffer against the biological harms of toxic stress on children – as well as a key toward building resilience.
[ American Academy of Pediatrics ]
Encouraging Parent–Child Book Sharing: Potential Additive Benefits of Literacy Promotion in Health Care and the Community
Parents who received both a book and guidance through Reach Out and Read about the importance of reading were more likely to engage in literacy activities with their children through book sharing at home.
[ Early Childhood Research Quarterly ]
Our Team
Patty Fontneau
Jessie Chase
Lisa Dresselhaus
Judy Duarte
Harrison Holcomb
Favorite Children's Book:
Annie Immele
Kathie King
Kelcey Kuntz
Katie Malone
Cindy Phelps
