Reach Out and Read

Program Overview

Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 by pediatricians and early childhood educators who realized the unparalleled access that doctors have to children and families in need. Today, Reach Out and Read serves more than 4 million children in 50 states. Fifteen independent studies published in medical journals prove that the program is effective. Parents are four times more likely to read aloud regularly to their children, and non-English speaking parents are up to 10 times more likely to do so. As a result, children have higher vocabularies and greater language comprehension skills during the preschool years; children served by Reach Out and Read score three to six months ahead of their non-Reach Out and Read peers on vocabulary tests. This evidence-based, early literacy intervention program reaches young children during the most critical states of their development.

During a medical visit, parents learn that reading aloud regularly to their child is the single most important thing they can do to help their children develop a love of books and to start school ready to learn. Parents are given individually tailored, age-appropriate books and advice about books and reading, and advised to incorporate reading into their children's daily routines. This project, at its core, is not about technology but about developing a nurturing relationship around story time so that children associate books with parental love and attention which will foster the language and literacy skills children need to succeed in school.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Reach Out and Read was founded in 1989 by pediatricians and early childhood educators who realized the unparalleled access that doctors have to children and families in need. Today, Reach Out and Read serves more than 4 million children in 50 states. Fifteen independent studies published in medical journals prove that the program is effective. Parents are four times more likely to read aloud regularly to their children, and non-English speaking parents are up to 10 times more likely to do so. As a result, children have higher vocabularies and greater language comprehension skills during the preschool years; children served by Reach Out and Read score three to six months ahead of their non-Reach Out and Read peers on vocabulary tests. This evidence-based, early literacy intervention program reaches young children during the most critical states of their development.