Reach Out and Read has been chosen as VA NAPNAP's service project for the year 2007 - 2008 year. The mission of Reach Out and Read is to make book a routine part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with a love of books and reading. This scientifically validated approach to early literacy development now has over 3500 sites nationally. Doctors and nurses at each site are trained in developmental strategies of early literacy, talk to parents about the importance of reading out loud to their children and offer age appropriate tips and encouragement. Children age 6 months to 5 years receive a new developmentally appropriate book from their health care provider at their check ups. A wide variety of opportunities exist for us as a chapter to participate including buying new book for distribution, collecting gently used books for siblings and waiting rooms or even contributing your skills by reading to kids. So we will keep you posted as we firm up this new relationship on how specifically we will contribute.
If anyone works at a designated Reach Out and Read Site please let me know at: dalbyjn@comcast.net. Ideally we would love to work with a site that has an NP. In the mean time learn more by checking out their web site www.reachoutandread.org.
UPDATE from NoVa: Members brought new books for donation to Reach Out and Read at the Inova Pediatric Center to the December 2007 meeting. 2 thank you notes were received:
"Please thank all the members of the VA Chapter of NAPNAP for their contributions of books for our Reach Out and Read program at Inova Pediatric Center. PNPs can be avid supporters of the program and I encourage you to check the ROR national website for more information." Joan Wabschall, RN, MS; Patient Care Director
"Please extend our thanks to the members of NAPNAP for your recent gift of 24 children's books to benefit the Reach Out and Read Program of INOVA Fairfax Hospital for Children. Reach Out and Read makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of learning. Reach Out and Read provides a new book that is both developmentally and culturally appropriate to all patients at well child visits to the Inova Pediatric Center. For many of the families we serve, the books they receive through our Reach Out and Read program may be the only childrens' books in their homes. Recent research shows that parents who receive literacy counseling and a book during a clinic visit are four times more likely to look at these books with their children than patients who do not. We also know that reading aloud is the single most important predictor of later reading success. By investing in the Reach Out and Read program of Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, you are making a lasting impression on our community and specifically on the literacy skills of our children. Your generosity will help ensure that the Reach Out and Read program will be here for generations to come.
Frederick W. Sachs, Jr
Chairman, Inova Health Systems Foundation Board