A Positive Impact on Early Childhood and Brain Development

How Reach Out and Read Greater Philadelphia Works

We know that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most critical in terms of brain development. Reach Out and Read Greater Philadelphia has the greatest reach of all early literacy programs to families with young children – – serving 86,000 young children in need in Southeastern Pennsylvania annually.

Research shows that when primary care doctors and nurse practitioners promote literacy readiness according to the Reach Out and Read model:

• Parents are 2.5 times more likely to read to their children
• Parents are 2 times more likely to read to their children more than three times a week
• Families are 2.5 times more likely to enjoy reading together or have books in the home
• Children’s language development is advanced by 3-6 months
• Children’s language ability improves with increased exposure to Reach Out and Read

Source: Reach Out and Read: The Evidence