Supporting Illinois Clinics in Empowering Children to Read
Driving Better Patient Outcomes with Science-backed, Clinic-based Programing
Incorporating Books Into Pediatric Care
Our Evidence-Based Model
We work with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals to incorporate the national Reach Out & Read-model into their pediatric checkups. This includes:
- Training medical providers to emphasize the importance of shared reading.
- Providing new books for each child to take home during their regular checkups from the newborn through 5 visits.
- Creating literacy-rich environments in the clinic that may include gently-used books and information about local resources
Reading to Children Matters
Promoting Healthy Children, Brighter Futures, & Stronger Communities
A child’s brain develops the most between birth and age five, and this brain development happens rapidly. Scientific research shows that a child’s experiences in these first few years of life shapes how their brain develops. This makes a lasting impact on their health and ability to learn and succeed.
When Children Are Read To, They:
Experience healthy brain development
Build important social and emotional skills
Learn language and reading more quickly
Develop a large vocabulary
Bond with their parent or caregiver
Strengthening Bonds Between Children & Caregivers
Supporting Healthy Development in the First Five Years
Reach Out & Read Illinois strengthens the bond between a child and their caregiver and prepares children for kindergarten by:
- Supporting clinics in incorporating books into pediatric visits.
- Encouraging families to read together.
- Connecting families to neighborhood resources like libraries.
Reach Out & Read Illinois helps ensure that every child has the healthy foundation they need by empowering parents and caregivers to read aloud to their children daily.
Supporting Our Clinics
Driving Positive Outcomes for Pediatric Patients
Reach Out & Read Illinois offers a wide array of resources and support, and to help clinics of all sizes, from across the state, in implementing Reach Out & Read in all pediatric visits from birth to five years.
Training Resources
View and download resources to refresh your ongoing implementation of the Reach Out & Read Illinois program to better support children in their first five years.
Funding Opportunities
Learn more about ROR funding opportunities in Illinois.
Site Visits
Learn more about ROR IL supporting staff training, resources, and providing support and guidance.
Webinars
Build your knowledge on community partnerships, how to optimize your impact, the importance of literacy, and learn more about the intersections between literacy and pediatrics.
Video & Media Resources
Help build stronger connections with approachable, friendly, sharable video resources that encourage a love of reading in children and their caregivers!
Upcoming Events
The Reach Out & Read IL team offers a wide array of in-person and virtual programs and events including listening sessions, webinars, CME/CE opportunities, fundraisers, and site support meetings.
Meet Rory the Lion
Your New Partner in Preparing Children for School
Introduce your pediatric patients and their parents and caregivers to the exciting world of reading with fun games and activities designed to inspire! Empower the families you serve to begin reading aloud early and often with these science- and evidence-based activities designed to support kindergarten readiness.
Donate Today
Help Us Reach Every Corner of Illinois
We’re proud to have reached so many children and families in 2024, but we still only serve one in every three children in Illinois, and we need your help to expand!
Your gift helps ensure children can get the developmental support they need to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.
