Start a Program

The Reach Out and Read model is designed to be implemented by medical professionals who provide primary care to children, from infancy through 5 years, as part of the well-child checkup. Both pediatric practices and family practices that deliver pediatric care may participate in Reach Out and Read.

Reach Out and Read has become an essential part of pediatric practice across the country—from large, urban practices to small, rural clinics. By introducing a beautiful new book at the beginning of a well-child visit, providers find they can better engage and calm the child, provide meaningful, positive literacy promotion messages to the parent or caregiver, enable additional opportunities for positive caregiver/child interactions, and build stronger connections with the family. Using the book in the exam room creates an opportunity to talk about other relevant topics such as sleep routines, the importance of a child’s first 2,000 days, and school readiness. It also offers providers a valuable tool for monitoring the child’s development.

Studies have shown improved attendance rates at well-child visits, and improved morale among staff and providers at participating clinics. Reach Out and Read Minnesota providers have frequently told us the program is their favorite part of their day!

Reach Out and Read Minnesota staff provides hands-on support for our participating programs. We also offer a variety of early learning resources, such as reading tip bookmarks, posters, and more.

A new, high-quality book is provided at every well-child performed for children ages 6 months through 5 years; we encourage providers to give books starting at the earliest visits (birth through five months), but this is currently optional. We have access to a network of book vendors that sell a curated selection of high-quality books at deep discounts; we use $3.50 as our average cost per book for our application, though actual cost may be higher or lower depending on title, language, and vendor. A majority of our partner clinics purchase their own books, though we provide financial support for clinics participating, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Indian Health Services/Tribal clinics, and other clinics that serve vulnerable populations. Reach out to us to find out if your clinic may qualify for book support.

Access to our program, clinic network, trainings, and application are all free.

Thanks to a grant through the Minnesota Department of Education, we are able to provide one year's supply of books to any clinic that newly joins our network. Additionally, all new clinics will receive a welcome gift of up to 400 books from our partner book vendors. Quantities will vary depending on total annual well-child visits.

We work with vendors to make high-quality, diverse, and developmentally appropriate books available at affordable, sustainable prices for our partner clinics. Books are available in a range of languages commonly spoken in Minnesota, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Ojibwe.

Our staff is available to help clinics budget and create funding strategies as needed.

Start your application today at myror.org. During the application process, you will need to:

-Provide demographic information for your patient population (e.g. language, insurance coverage).
-Decide who at your office will take leadership of Reach Out and Read as Medical Champion and Site Coordinator.
-Obtain a letter of support from the medical director and/or executive director of your organization.
-Submit your site’s W9 form or other relevant tax documentation.
-Determine how you will get the books needed for at least first year of implementation.
-Ensure at least 75% of site medical providers who see children ages 6 months to 5 years for primary care complete our online Core Provider training (CME credit provided).