Pediatricians Promoting School Readiness

Reach Out and Read's Mission

Reach Out and Read prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.

Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read's evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the 6-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Families served by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve their potential.

Learn more about Reach Out and Read.

Reach Out and Read Model Endorsed by the AAP

In 1998, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially endorsed the Reach Out and Read model of early literacy promotion. Today, the Reach Out and Read model is also part of the AAP's official Bright Futures Guidelines for pediatric healthcare providers.

Reach Out and Read is proud to partner with 30,000 pediatricians and pediatric healthcare providers nationwide.

Important Links:
Reach Out and Read’s National Website
Reach Out and Read’s Gateway for Medical Providers
myROR: Website for Current Reach Out and Read Providers