Reach Out and Read San Diego (RORSD), a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, CA Chapter 3, provides coordination and support for the 88 pediatric offices operating the Reach Out and Read model, in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Since 2006, Reach Out and Read San Diego has been training participating providers in and ensuring adherence to the Reach Out and Read model as well as fundrais
ing for books. Last year these offices distributed 130,000 books. Reading aloud daily is critical to healthy brain development and the single most effective thing parents can do to prepare children for school. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants incorporate the evidence-based Reach Out and Read model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud to their children DAILY and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the six-month checkup and continues through age five, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Research shows that when doctors promote literacy readiness, using the Reach Out and Read model, there is a significant effect on parental behavior and attitudes toward reading aloud, as well as improvements in the language scores of young children who participate. Every day doctor and nurses advise parents on reading aloud to their children, provide them with a new book as the tool to accomplish this, and encourage them to limit their child’s screen time thereby preparing them for Kindergarten. Last year we reached 85,000 children through the Reach Out and Read San Diego program.
