“Making books part of a healthy childhood!”

At all of CHOC’s primary care clinics, Reach Out and Read® is there to promote the importance of early literacy. This national non-profit organization was started in 1989 by Boston pediatricians to better prepare their young clients for academic success when they reach school age. CHOC adopted the ROR program in its hospital-based primary care clinic in 1999. Since then CHOC has extended this literacy focus into its four primary care clinics in the communities of Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana.

In the waiting room of CHOC’s primary care clinics, the Reach Out and Read® (ROR) focus can be evident in various ways: through murals and other artwork, through good used books available for reading while you wait, and through CHOC volunteers reading stories to patients and their families. The used books in the waiting room may also be taken home.

ROR’s mission continues into the exam rooms. When you bring your child for a check-up, the pediatrician will encourage you to read to your child every day. An age-appropriate book will be given to you to take home and enjoy with your child. Studies show that reading aloud to children, beginning at an early age, is the single most important factor in preventing early reading problems.

CHOC’s pediatricians want your child to have a healthy childhood. They want to include a special prescription for you when you and your child come for a well-child check-up—a prescription for you and your child to enjoy reading and books together. 
 
For More Information: (714)532-8656 or (714)532-7906