For Clinics
Why Doctors Choose Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read is a proven, evidence-based intervention that enhances early childhood development through the unique power of the pediatric well-child visit.
By integrating books and literacy guidance into routine care from birth through age five, pediatricians help lay the foundation for language development, school readiness, and strong caregiver-child relationships.
Backed by Research.
Trusted in Practice.
With more than 20 independent, peer-reviewed studies, Reach Out and Read is the most extensively studied psychosocial intervention in general pediatrics. Results consistently show:
- Parents are 5x more likely to read regularlywith their young children.
- Children show 3–6 months of improved language development.
- Families are more likely to have books in the home and to enjoy reading together.
- Well-visit attendance improves,and clinic culture is positively impacted.
This two-generational model supports not only early brain and language development, but also builds stronger, healthier relationships between families and their healthcare providers.
Join a Growing Movement in Pediatric Primary Care
Reach Out and Read empowers pediatricians to make a meaningful, lasting impact, one book and one visit at a time. Enrolling your practice means you’ll give every child the tools they need to thrive, and every parent the confidence to support their child’s early development.
Join Reach Out and Read Illinois: Enrich Pediatric Care Through Literacy
Reach Out and Read Illinois integrates early literacy into pediatric primary care, equipping providers to promote reading aloud from infancy through age five. By prescribing books and encouraging shared reading during well-child visits, medical providers help to foster language development, school readiness, and stronger caregiver-child bonds.
Enroll Your Clinic Today!
When you engage with Reach Out and Read Illinois, you’ll receive training, resources, and access to discounted books to seamlessly implement the program.
Steps to Enroll Your Clinic
Grant Funding Opportunities
Site Visits & Supports
Our dedicated team conducts site visits to support clinics in implementing the program. These visits are opportunities for the Reach Out and Read IL team to connect with clinic staff and offer guidance to enhance the program’s effectiveness. They also serve as a chance to discuss any challenges and share best practices.
Staff Refresher: Keeping Your Clinic Engaged
At Reach Out and Read Illinois, we know that keeping your entire clinic team engaged is key to the success of your program. Everyone has a role to play—whether it’s the front desk staff welcoming families with a smile, medical assistants building rapport with patients, or providers modeling reading during well-child visits. Together, this creates a literacy-rich environment that encourages families to embrace shared reading at home.
We encourage clinics to hold regular staff refreshers to reinforce the importance of the Reach Out and Read model and to ensure consistency across all roles. These refreshers are great opportunities to revisit the program’s goals, celebrate successes, and troubleshoot any challenges that arise in implementation. For example, front desk staff can remind families about book distributions, while providers can reflect on strategies for integrating reading messages into developmental guidance.
Keeping Reach Out and Read top of mind across your clinic strengthens the bond between families and caregivers—and helps every child walk away with not just a book, but a boost toward lifelong learning.
Implementation & Support Webinars
Quick Video Guides
to Strengthen Your Reach Out and Read Program
Need a quick refresher or want to onboard new team members with ease? Our short-form educational videos are designed to delivery key insights in just a few minutes.
From introducing the core elements of Reach Out and Read to practical tips on implementation and family engagement, these bite-sized videos make it easier than ever to keep your clinic aligned, informed, and inspired. Whether you’re new to the program or looking to deepen your impact, you’ll find the guidance you need, right when you need it.
The Graduation Toolkit for Clinics
Celebrate Kindergarten Readiness with Rory the Lion
Meet Rory the Lion, Reach Out and Read Illinois’s early literacy ambassador, designed to help families build strong reading habits through fun and engaging activities. Rory is a friendly character that clinics can use to encourage young children and their caregivers to explore the joys of reading together while preparing for kindergarten.
With developmentally appropriate games, tips, and reading-based activities, Rory helps promote school readiness and supports families in building their child’s confidence through shared reading. Pediatric providers can introduce Rory’s resources during well-child visits to reinforce early literacy guidance and strengthen caregiver engagement outside the exam room..
Reach Out and Read Illinois at The Chicago Public Library
In 2022, Reach Out and Read Illinois and the Chicago Public Library partnered up to develop the Reach Out and Read at the Chicago Public Library! pilot project. The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has a wealth of resources for families that often go underutilized, particularly by those that could most benefit from them. Barriers to library use include lack of information, mistrust, concerns about documentation status, and the belief that the library is not for children. Pediatricians are in a unique position to promote library use and decrease barriers because they have early and repeated interactions with families, starting at birth, and the opportunity to develop a relationship of trust. The overarching goal of this program was to increase families’ awareness and utilization of library programming by creating personal connections between local librarians and ROR-IL coordinators and providers throughout the city of Chicago.
Join Our Illinois Network
Over 185 clinics across Illinois participate in Reach Out and Read, collectively distributing more than 180,000 books annually. By joining, your clinic becomes part of a movement dedicated to fostering early literacy and strengthening families.
Ready to make a difference?
Need Assistance?
For guidance or support during the enrollment process, contact:
Olivia Heinzeroth
Program Manager, Reach Out and Read Illinois
oheinzeroth@illinoisaap.com
