Reach Out and Read Kansas City is an early literacy program affiliated with the National Reach Out And Read and Reading Is Fundamental programs. It is a simple yet powerful program in which health care providers are trained to provide advice to parents about skills that promote early literacy development. New books are provided for children at well visits throughout age 5, and volunteers model reading behaviors for parents in clinic waiting rooms.

The Reach Out and Read Kansas City program has garnered national attention. When Colin Powell visited Kansas City in September of 2000 to recognize our city's efforts to keep its promises with children, it was one of five programs selected to highlight the area's commitment to our children.

A message from Dr. Jean Harty, Program Director, Reach Out and Read Kansas City:

Reading books in a big comfy chair. "When you were a small child, story time might have meant snuggling on Mom or Dad's lap and hearing them read to you. Suddenly, through the wonder of imagination, animals could talk and cows could fly over the moon. Maybe Grandma or Grandpa read to you at night. You were huddled under a warm blanket. Their words carried you away to magical lands. You felt warm and safe and close. Maybe on a rainy Sunday afternoon you got a pile of books, hunkered down on the couch with some milk and cookies and let your favorite stories lift you to the stars and beyond.

KC READS, a collaborative effort between the K U Pediatrics Department and Children's Mercy Hospital. "Story telling is as old as civilization and as fresh as the new morning. Words, both written and spoken, can bring people together. They can stimulate the imagination. They can open a child's eyes to worlds of wonder and to the hope of humanity. One of the greatest gifts we can share with our children is the gift of literacy. Through our guidance, children can learn important reading and thinking skills that will help them throughout their lives."

If you believe that the power of words can change young lives in a positive manner then learn about the important role you can play in Reach Out and Read Kansas City.

Reach Out and Read Kansas City is a collaborative effort between the KU Pediatrics Department and Children's Mercy Hospital and has 33 participating clinics throughout metropolitan Kansas City. It is a simple but powerful early intervention program that promotes literacy among children in health care settings.

Members

Jean Harty, M.D., Director
Janice Dobbs
Susan Mong
Kelli Wright

Contact

Jean Harty, M.D.
jharty@kumc.edu
913-588-2793
Office: G011B Miller

Mail:

Mail Stop 4004
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66160

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