New Report Supports Reading from Infancy and Open Book
The American Academy of Pediatrics released a new policy statement supporting reading aloud from infancy. Reach Out and Read is part of an early literacy partnership that has formed with other like minded organizations.
OPEN BOOK, JCY-Westchester Community Partners' early childhood literacy program, collaborates with the national Reach Out and Read organization.
A visit to the doctor can be scary for a child, but it can also be a comfortable and pleasant experience that can promote good healthcare routines that will last a lifetime. In order to make a visit to the pediatrician more enjoyable, the OPEN BOOK program operates at The Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and White Plains Hospital in White Plains NY.
As a "Prescription for Literacy" the OPEN BOOK program sends trained volunteers to greet the children as they come in to the clinic. They show the child the books they can choose from and offer to help pick out an age appropriate book or activity to work on while they wait. The volunteer might read a story, or let the child read one to them! They might choose a coloring page, crossword puzzle or a word search. The OPEN BOOK volunteer is there to gently introduce literacy into the clinic experience and the pediatrician will reinforce the message by giving each child a free book, at a well child visit, to take home.
The OPEN BOOK program operates weekdays year round.
If you are interested in more information about the program or being a volunteer, contact:
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