Our records indicate that your clinic showed interest in bringing books and early literacy support to the families you serve through the Reach Out and Read program!
Reach Out and Read Colorado is a nonprofit organization that partners with pediatric clinics to provide free books and early literacy guidance to families at well-child visits from birth to age 5.
As a clinic that incorporates the Reach Out and Read model, the children and families you serve will not only benefit from high-quality, language-appropriate books from age 0 – 5, as ‘prescribed’ by their healthcare provider, but also will have access to gently-used books for children of all ages.
“Reach Out and Read Colorado has helped us to create a literacy-rich environment, where families have the opportunity to explore and enjoy books together in the clinic and at home. Our providers have the opportunity to share their love of reading with their patients and families and to model positive ways for families to engage with literature together. It’s a really important and positive experience for everyone involved!“
Reach Out and Read Colorado Healthcare Provider | Denver Health
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Reach Out and Read Colorado’s program model is made up of three components:
- A brand new, developmentally- and language-appropriate book at each well-child visit from birth to age 5,
- anticipatory guidance discussed by a healthcare provider, and
- a literacy-rich clinic environment with gently used books for children ages 0-18 provided by RORCO.
WHY?
Access to books at home during early childhood is one of the single most important indicators of academic success. And the earlier the intervention, the greater the benefit, since 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five.
Healthcare providers have consistent and early access to families and are a trusted source of health information. Making books a part of preventative visits allows healthcare providers to observe fine motor skills, language, literacy, and parent-child interactions, and providers guide parents with the information they need to develop healthy habits for daily reading aloud.
A Glimpse at the Program
Reach Out and Read Colorado’s Current Annual Impact