Become a Reach Out and Read Provider
If you are interested in joining the Reach Out and Read Program in the Kansas City metropolitan area please submit your application today.
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Resources
The simple act of reading aloud with a young child lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading and learning. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, physician or provider, Reach Out and Read Kansas City is here to help you.
Parent and Caregiver Resources
As a parent, the best gift you can give to your child is the gift of reading. Kansas City has a number of great resources available to you to help select appropriate books, develop strong cognitive and language skills for your child, and connect to local resources for additional support.
The National Reach Out and Read website provides ideas for screen-free activities, recommended book lists, tips for reading with babies and young children, early literacy resources in Spanish and much more.
Some of our local partners also provide resources and activities available online and in-person, to help support literacy. Visit their websites for more information:
- Kansas City Public Library
- Literacy Kansas City (Adult Literacy Services)
- Mid-Continent Public Library
Medical Provider Resources
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, promotion of optimal early brain and child development is essential for the health and well-being of children. During these critical first few years of life, safe, stable and nurturing relationships are critical to healthy brain development.
Participation in the Reach Out and Read Program has proven to build better brains and enhance language development. Visit the National Reach Out and Read website for research and references for clinical providers.
Complete your online Reach Out and Read provider training at myRoR.org and find additional training under the ‘training’ tab. Must be a current Reach Out and Read provider to access these trainings. If you need assistance, please contact Stefanie Estes, ROR-KC Book Coordinator at sestes2@kumc.edu or 913-588-0295.
"One of my most special Reach Out and Read memories involves handing a book to a 6-month-old patient sitting on his mom's lap. Usually, babies at that age start to chew on the book while holding it upside down and backwards, but this little guy took it from me with both hands, held it in the correct position, and opened it all by himself. He proceeded to scan each page from left to right and then actually turned the page on his own! He clearly had been read to many times. He was very serious and business-like in his approach, but as soon as his mom engaged by pointing something out, he broke into a big smile — and of course his mom and I did, too! "- Dr. Lisa Riojas, Children's Mercy West