Events
Events with Reach Out and Read Illinois
Building a Culture of Literacy in Pediatric Care
Reach Out and Read Illinois is proud to be a program of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP). While we host a small number of events each year, our work goes far beyond the calendar. Together with ICAAP, we’re part of a larger movement to empower pediatric clinicians, strengthen families, and promote lifelong health, starting with the simple, powerful act of reading aloud.
Events That Inspire Connection and Growth
ICAAP Annual Educational Conference
October 15-16, 2025 | Northern Illinois University – Naperville, IL
Reach Out and Read Illinois will have an exhibit table at this flagship event. The 2025 conference will include sessions of particular interest to ROR supporters like:
- Dr. Ashley Fischer, ROR Board Member – Gender Affirming Care in Gender Non-Conforming Youth
- Dr. Kristen Kenan – YOU Matter: Unpacking the Impact of Racial Discrimination on Teen Depression Prevention
- Dr. Anjali Rao and Dr. Colleen Rusciolelli – Using Positive Parenting to Build Resilience
- Dr. Norma Schue Kreilein – What’s Not Working in Rural Illinois Pediatrics and Why It’s Important to Everyone
- Plus, a timely keynote on the impact of social media on youth development.
Early Relational Health Summit
March 4–5, 2026 | Northern Illinois University – Naperville, IL
Join us for our newest in-person conference opportunity, hosted in collaboration with ICAAP. Held at Northern Illinois University in Naperville, this summit will explore the power of nurturing relationships in supporting child development and family wellbeing.
Mental Health Conference
May 7, 2025 | Peoria, IL
ROR will also be exhibiting at ICAAP’s Mental Health Conference. Stay tuned for more details or email info@illinoisaap.org to learn more.
Details coming soon!
Annual June Fundraiser
Details coming soon!
Whether you’re joining us at a conference, tuning into a webinar, or stopping by our exhibit table, our events offer meaningful ways to learn, connect, and grow together.
ICAAP’s Reach Out and Read Program:
Part of a Statewide Mission to Support Pediatric Care
We are proud to be a program of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP), a trusted leader in pediatric health and advocacy. We integrate the promotion of early literacy directly into pediatric care, aligning with ICAAP’s mission to create systems that support every aspect of child health. By embedding literacy guidance and book sharing into routine well-child visits, Reach Out and Read empowers pediatricians to nurture not just physical health, but also language development, school readiness, and family connection.
Supporting Pediatric Clinicians Across the Spectrum of Care
Together, We Help Illinois’ Children Thrive
ICAAP works across disciplines and care settings to equip pediatric clinicians with tools and training that support whole-child health. This includes:
Access
to early literacy and school readiness programs like Reach Out and Read
Advocacy
for family-centered policies and equitable access to care
Resources
and education on childhood development, trauma-informed care, and more
Early literacy is one of many ways ICAAP supports healthcare professionals in helping children grow up healthy, resilient, and ready to succeed. When pediatricians model reading aloud, give families books, and explain why it matters, they’re laying the groundwork for strong futures, one story at a time.
