Reach Out and Read South Carolina

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based intervention that makes early literacy a standard part of primary care with a focus on children who grow up in low-income communities. We work to build on the unique relationship between families and medical providers to develop critical early language and reading skills in children.

Funds raised will support 41 active Reach Out and Read programs across the 11 Midlands' counties impacting over 32,000 low-income families annually. ROR's two generation approach helps move primary care to a more comprehensive approach to child and family health.

Our 3-part intervention is a part of all well child visits for children up to 5 years of age at all clinic program locations:

1. The Conversation: During well-child visits, the doctor prescribes reading by modeling read aloud strategies while teaching and training the parent about how to share books and why it is important. Parents are engaged in the conversation as the provider offers anticipatory guidance and emphasizes how reading brings families together.

2. The Book: Each child is given a new, culturally and developmentally appropriate book to take home, building a collection of 10-15 new books in the home before the child goes to kindergarten.

3. Literacy-Rich Environment and Resources: Clinic environments support literacy-rich messaging and resources to families, supporting providers in community-health resources, and supporting parents in daily literacy activities with their children.

Testimonials

Family Solutions of Orangeburg - [Favorite ROR experience] is seeing the children interested in reading and turning the pages. Also, moms developing a routine for reading early and throughout pregnancy.

Prisma Children's Hospital Outpatient Center - Hispanic parents said that they never had an opportunity to read with their parents because they never had books. They cherish the reading together moments. I have seen older children ask me for more books because they love to read.