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
LISTENING SESSION: Reach Out & Read Program Enhancements
June 17, 2026 12 – 1 pm | Online via Zoom
ROR as a program has many various established components that can truly help your program thrive, join us for this interactive session where we will discuss some of these available assets and the ways in which they can be used for your clinic!
WEBINAR: Why Children Ages 0-5 are at Highest Risk for Lead Poisoning and Tips for Mitigating Effects after Exposure
July 22, 2026 12 – 1 pm | Online via Zoom
Join us for this CME-accredited webinar in collaboration with ICAAP’s Lead Poisoning Prevention project. Speakers will review the effects of lead exposure on children’s development, steps families can take to prevent and mitigate exposure, and Reach Out and Read as a tool for pediatricians.
ICAAP Annual Educational Conference
November 18-19, 2026 | Northern Illinois University – Naperville, IL
ICAAP hosts an Annual Education Conference, bringing together pediatric leaders, clinicians, and advocates from across Illinois to share expertise, elevate best practices, and shape the future of child health care. The event includes a half-day pre-conference and a full-day conference on the most important topics in pediatric health.
Registration for the 2026 conference will open in July, stay tuned!
Annual Great Stories Awards Night Fundraiser
2027 | Date & Location TBD
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.
