SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker was passionate about improving early childhood education well before he ran for public office. While lawmakers have passed historic plans to improve youth literacy in recent years, Pritzker is excited to expand a popular childhood book program.
You probably remember your favorite book from childhood. Many kids receive these books from family members, but millions of American children under 5 now receive a book each time they go to the doctor for their annual checkup.
"It has a track record of preparing children for Kindergarten, strengthening child and parental bonds, building relationships between parents and healthcare providers, and facilitating early learning and brain development for children," Pritzker said Thursday. "The results speak for themselves."
The national Reach Out & Read program announced a new goal this summer to serve 10 million youth by 2030. State leaders said the simple gift of one book a year from doctors can combat inequities and best serve kids of all backgrounds.
"I think one of the biggest challenges we face as a community is a lack of educational attainment," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "I think that leads to many of the issues that we face as a community, many of the problems that we have to deal with. This effort I think goes to the heart of the problem."
Reach Out & Read clinicians are trained to help parents know how reading aloud sets children up for success. They also ensure families get free, age appropriate and culturally relevant books.
"Thanks to recent investments from the governor, Reach Out & Read Illinois has expanded to 177 clinics across the state serving 160,000 children and families," said Dr. Mariana Glusman, president of the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "We have trained hundreds of providers and pediatric healthcare practitioners on the model and distribute over 180,000 children's books every year."
Glusman said she thinks of these books as vaccines against illiteracy.
State leaders said the simple gift of one book a year from doctors can combat inequities and best serve kids of all backgrounds.
Rockford and Winnebago County are the latest communities to participate in the Reach Out & Read program. Pritzker hopes his Smart Start Illinois plan will create even more opportunities for every child to have a bright future.
"The future of our state will depend on our ability to help every child to reach their full potential," Pritzker said. "That is more than an obligation. That is who we are as a state, I believe."
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