National Pediatric-Based Literacy Program Seeking Volunteers
Reach Out and Read is a national non-religious/non- proselytizing pediatric-based literacy program that has partnered with Lutheran Family Health clinics to promote early childhood literacy by prescribing books to children (ages 6 months to 5 years) and their families during wellness checkups. After every visit, each child leaves with a free book to read and enjoy with his or her parents. The purpose of these “literary prescriptions” is to promote early childhood literacy, which in turn, helps prepare a child for success in school. Research shows that exposure to words and books is important for a child’s development during the crucial developmental period of ages 6 months to 5 years. A third of children from low-income communities fall behind in school due to a lack of reading and literacy development and have difficulties catching up to their peers.
Reach Out and Read volunteers are responsible for setting up a portable reading mat and reading to children inside our waiting rooms. Volunteers serve as reading models for families and children to promote early childhood literacy at home.
Please note that volunteers must fill out paperwork required by Lutheran Volunteer Services prior to their official start date.
Please feel free to contact Jennifer Chng at [email protected] or call 718-630-7175 with any questions.
Visit http://www.reachoutandread.org/ for more information about the program.
