In Central Texas, 87 percent of low-income children entering kindergarten lack the skills necessary for a successful learning experience.
Being read to is the best medicine for a child’s cognitive and language development, providing comfort for both children and their parents and paving the way for success in school. The primary goal of the Reach Out & Read™ Program is to enrich the parent-provider-patient relationship and increase reading time at home.
Introducing children to reading at an early age fosters literacy and academic success. Practicing language and pre-reading skills early on is essential for children to succeed later in school, and it is one of the most effective ways to establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Research indicates that the developing brain is shaped by the stimulation of language, including words, repetition, and reading. The Reach Out and Read™ Program increases positive parent-child interactions and supports low-income parents’ ability to nurture their children intellectually.
During each well-child visit, a developmental assessment is conducted, allowing the medical care provider to discuss ways parents can incorporate reading, language, and word games into their daily routines to support their child’s development. Children are given a free book to take home afterward.
HOW TO DONATE YOUR GENTLY-USED BOOKS
Books help children build language skills and develop a love of reading. Donating gently used books supports families and promotes early learning at home and in the clinic.
- Drop off in person at People’s North location (1101 Camino la Costa) in the lobby closest to Camino la Costa. You’ll find a large bin labeled “Book Donations“. You can place your gently used books inside.
2. Coordinate a donation by contacting Celina Nance, Early Childhood Program Director, at celina.nance@austinpcc.org.
