(Fox 31 Colorado’s Very Own)
A new, peer-reviewed study in Academic Pediatrics demonstrates the impact of Reach Out and Read, a program leading the way in supporting healthy early parent-child relationships through shared reading. The research, which includes more than 100,000 survey responses, shows that parents/caregivers exposed to the Reach Out and Read program are significantly more likely to read with their infants and young children every day and to use books to better engage with their young children, starting at infancy.
The Effect of Exposure to Reach Out and Read on Shared Reading Behaviors, a multi-year study, demonstrates that the delivery of the national nonprofit’s model effectively encourages parents/caregivers to read with their young children using strategies that promote parent-child bonding and connection. This study builds upon earlier evidence that shows families who participate in the Reach Out and Read program are more likely to have books in the household and read them to their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers multiple times each week. In addition, those young children have improved language development by three to six months.
Read the full story on Fox 31 Colorado’s Very Own here.