More local children are going to get a head start on reading with the help of their pediatrician.
Rochester Regional Health announced recently it is expanding its Reach Out and Read program to include Wilson Pediatrics.
“It’s wonderful to see this program grow to another one of our Rochester Regional Health practices,” said Larry Denk, a pediatrician for Rochester Regional Health. “I have watched Reach Out and Read nurture so many of my youngest patients. When parents read aloud to children, they help accelerate the child’s brain development while building confidence, resilience, early literacy, and healthy bonds that can be felt over a lifetime.”
Through a grant, Fidelis Care is helping Rochester Regional establish this newest location. Wilson Pediatrics is the fourth Rochester Regional Health practice to offer Reach Out and Read.
“Our ability to think, understand, and solve problems is directly related to cognitive skills and development, which can be greatly improved by reading with children at a young age,” said physician Vincent Marchello, Fidelis Care chief medical officer. “Fidelis Care is excited for the opportunity to work with Rochester Regional Health to expand the Reach Out and Read Program by making culturally appropriate books accessible to families in our local community.”
Reach Out and Read is a nationwide program that incorporates books into well-child exams for children from 6 months of age until they are 5 years old. The program increases the frequency and quality of reading in the home, readiness for kindergarten, and positive child-parent interactions that help combat the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Books provided by Reach Out and Read are available in multiple languages and represent a broad range of cultures, which help young children and their families feel valued, understood, and included in the community. If you need help with any of this languages, consider reaching for it at espressotranslations.com/document-translations/.
Rochester Regional Health now offers the Reach Out and Read program at Genesee Pediatrics, Unity Pediatrics, Rochester General Pediatric Associates and Wilson Pediatrics.