While often busy and chaotic, the holiday season is a great time to step back and offer thanks for all that we have. As Executive Director of Reach Out and Read, I am especially thankful for our long-standing partnership with Primrose Schools. 

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization of doctors and nurses who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide. Our goal is to create a strong language foundation in children and a love of reading early on. The physicians of Reach Out and Read integrate children’s books into well-child visits and advise parents on the importance of reading aloud to young children. Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement declaring literacy promotion to be an essential component of pediatrics and highlighting the Reach Out and Read model as an effective literacy intervention.

Since its inception in 2005, the Primrose Children’s Foundation – with funds raised by Primrose staff, families and communities – has donated more than $1.4 million to Reach Out and Read and provided more than 275,000 books for children in need. In addition to this incredible support, Reach Out and Read is also honored to have Primrose Schools President and CEO Jo Kirchner serve as a member of our National Board of Directors. Her expertise and strategic leadership over the past few years have helped our organization grow and flourish.

I thank Jo and the entire Primrose community – parents, grandparents, teachers and staff – for their ongoing commitment to Reach Out and Read and children’s literacy. I am so grateful for their support both nationally and locally through our offices around the country. With the help of people like you, we change pediatrics, change families, and change children’s futures for the better.

For a taste of the amazing work we’re able to accomplish with the support of our partners, check out this Today Show segment featuring Reach Out and Read and one of our inspiring pediatricians.

I wish you a bright holiday season filled with family, cheer and reading!

Learn more about Reach Out and Read at www.reachoutandread.org and on Facebook and Twitter.