Evidence
More than 24 independent, peer-reviewed studies show that Reach Out and Read has strong benefits for children, families, and clinicians.
- Parents are more likely to read with their children daily and to report that reading is one of their child’s favorite activities.
- Children’s language development is improved by 3-6 months, and language ability improves with increased exposure to Reach Out and Read.
- Clinicians experience improved relationships with families, job satisfaction, and clinic morale. Participating families also demonstrate higher attendance rates for well-child visits, which are essential for child health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Literacy promotion: an “essential” component of pediatric primary care.
In a significant milestone, the AAP in 2014 published a policy statement which, for the first time ever, formally recommends that clinicians incorporate both books and advice about reading into every well-child visit through kindergarten, referencing Reach Out and Read as an effective intervention.
In 2024, the AAP revised and re-released the statement to reinforce the importance of reading together as a critical component of a child’s healthy development, highlighting the role early literacy has on cognitive, emotional, and social growth from birth. Since the policy’s initial publication, a large and growing body of evidence has supported the power of literacy promotion in pediatric primary care and the critical role shared reading plays in fostering child development. The new statement shows that literacy promotion supports early relationships by promoting positive, joyful and language-rich adult-child interactions.
Impact on Literacy & Development
Experiencing and engaging in language-rich interactions helps children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and literacy—all of which are critical to success in school and beyond. Even the simple act of handling books develops school readiness in infants. Additional positive effects of reading together include:
- Better recognition of sounds and letters
- Knowledge of a wider range of vocabulary
- Increased listening skills
- A deeper understanding of how stories work
Studies about the impact of Reach Out and Read show that:
- Children’s language development is improved by 3-6 months.
- Children’s language ability improves with increased exposure to Reach Out and Read.
Studies Show Improved Parental Attitudes & Practices
- Parents are 2.5X more likely to read to their children.
- Parents are 2X more likely to read to their children three or more times per week.
- Families are 2.5X more likely to enjoy reading together or to have books in the home.
When we read with our young ones, we help grow their curiosity and memory. Stories transport them to places and times they have never experienced, enhancing their understanding of the world. Holding a child close while reading can help them manage moments of anxiety and create a positive association with reading that endures throughout their lives.
Impact on Health Care
Integrating the Reach Out and Read program into routine well-child visits:
- Improves well-child visit attendance.
- Addresses social drivers of health and supports health equity.
- Improves HEDIS scores.
Enhances developmental surveillance. - Increases site morale and clinician satisfaction and improves patient-clinician relationships.
- Helps build safe, stable, and nurturing relationships.
Studies show that we contribute to stronger primary care.
Participating parents were more likely to rate their child’s pediatrician as helpful.
Pediatricians were more likely to rate participating parents as receptive.
Staff at successful Reach Out and Read sites expressed strong commitments to their community and showed higher levels of teamwork.
Awards & Endorsements
Recognition for Reach Out and Read’s Impact Nationwide:
Early Literacy Research Library
The Early Literacy Research Library (ELRL) is a repository of research and resources developed to support investigators, policy makers, clinicians, and other advocates involved in the integration of early literacy strategies into pediatric primary care to facilitate early relational health and early childhood development.
This link will bring you to the ELRL hosted by Reach Out and Read National.