Reach Out and Read: The Next Chapter

In this December 3, 2019 GLR Learning Tuesdays Partner webinar Brian Gallagher, CEO of Reach Out and Read, provides an overview of the launch of Reach Out and Read the Next Chapter and explains how this national network is supporting pediatric providers in linking early literacy and children’s healthy development through well-child visits, a critical part of the birth to third-grade system of supports for families.    

Dr. Dipesh Nasvaria of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health provided an overview of the compelling brain science underscoring the value of early parent-child interactions and relational health. Dr. Nasvaria shared how the “interactive influences of genes and experience literally shape the architecture of the developing brain and the active ingredient is the ‘serve and return’ nature of children’s engagement in relationships with their parents and other caregivers.” Dr. Nasvaria discussed the impact of stress on the developing brain and challenged us to think about the entire ecosystem in which a child resides.

Dr. Nathan Chomilo of Reach Out and Read Minnesota talked more about the national ROR network of 35 affiliates serving 34,000 clinicians. He also shared some emerging funding opportunities along with the evidence for using the Reach Out and Read model. Through the use of a developmentally appropriate book from a trusted messenger (the provider), ROR promotes positive early literacy guidance. The model has demonstrated increased parent engagement, improved vocabulary scores and reduced the incidence of speech delays. The model serves as a buffer to toxic stress and is low cost and scalable. Dr. Chomilo shared how he uses early literacy messaging in his own pediatric practice and how primary care providers can support parents, caregivers and children through a focus on relationships.

Carolyn Merrifield of Reach Out and Read for the Carolinas, Virginia and DC noted that more than 90 percent of children see a primary health care provider for well-child care at least annually and that parents place a high degree of trust in this relationship. By leveraging this relationship, ROR meets families where they are. One of the primary ways that ROR supports CGLR strategies is by reaching a large proportion of the birth-8 population with early literacy messaging and supporting early relational health. ROR can serve as an enrollment point for other services and programs. By partnering with health systems and physician practices, CGLR communities have the opportunity to develop additional advocates for early literacy. Merrifield closed by sharing some great examples of how Reach Out and Read is working with local GLR campaigns to amplify the impact for families and children.