Reach Out & Read
An Early Start to Reading
Children who grow up without sufficient exposure to language arrive at school without basic literacy skills and often struggle with reading in early grades. Research shows children who start school on track are more likely to reach their full educational, social, and life potential.
Through Reach Out & Read, the pediatricians at Albany Medical Center are helping our youngest patients get an early start with reading.
Beginning in infancy, when a child is seen for a well-visit, they receive a free, age-appropriate book to take home. We encourage families to read aloud together. We teach parents new ways to stimulate children's literacy development.
A Broad Reach
Our practice is one of 96 Reach Out & Read program sites across Upstate New York, which collectively support more than 61,000 young children from birth through age five. There are more than 6,000 program sites nationwide, which distribute 6.5 million books to children.
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As part of the Story Time Stars program, medical students volunteer to read to children in the waiting room of our General Pediatrics office. -
When children visit our General Pediatrics Office, they're welcome to take home a free book from the The RED Bookshelf. -
The Reach Out & Read program provides free books for children, when they have a well-visit in our General Pediatrics office.
Story Time Stars
Story Time Stars is a unique program in which medical students read to children, distribute books, and speak with parents and caregivers about educational resources in our community. We partner with The RED Bookshelf, Barnes & Noble, and other organizations.
Most of our books and funding come from the generous support of our sponsors. We welcome any donations or monthly contributions to sustain this program. If you are a community member interested in learning more about our program or would like to donate, contact us at [email protected].