|
"Reach Out and Read plays a vital role in the developing early learning system in Washington State. Through no other avenue is there such universal access to children and families, or such a rich opportunity to begin children on a strong literacy path--beginning at birth. By engaging doctors and parents together, in a research proven practice, Reach Out and Read has the potential to connect with nearly every young child and provide a key foundational support to help prepare children for school success."
-Jodi Haavig, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Per Article IX, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution, "It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders." And the battle is on! Almost every conversation in Olympia is focused squarely on education. People are talking about what education is and should be, how to fund it, and how this will impact everything else that state government does. Open any newspaper or online forum, and story after story ties back to education, Washington's Constitution, the Washington Supreme Court's McCleary decision, and most importantly, to what must be done to improve outcomes for students across Washington. Challenging issues, no doubt, and so very important. Nothing less than our collective future is at stake!
We are not policy experts at Reach Out and Read, but we understand very well the direct connection between policy and funding decisions in Olympia and outcomes for kids from Neah Bay to Walla Walla. That is why we just spent two days in Olympia hand-delivering our new report The Power of Parents and the Influence of Children's Doctors: Reach Out and Read in the First Five Years to each and every legislator. We need every representative of the people to know about the work that Reach Out and Read doctors are doing now, and the potential of what more can be done to improve outcomes for young children across the state. We also need legislators to know that their commitment of state funds to Reach Out and Read--a proven program that costs only $17 per child per year--is needed if we are to make good on the promise to support parents as their child's first teachers. We are delighted that 38 legislators stepped up to advocate for Reach Out and Read in the very first days of the session--see the letter and their names below --and join us in thanking them!
Yes, the path in front of Washington State is daunting, but we can do this. We can strengthen our educational system and insist on improved outcomes by providing opportunity for all kids. We need all hands on deck to make it happen. Parents and children's doctors are huge assets that we haven't fully tapped, and who stand ready to help. Now is the time to leverage Reach Out and Read to its fullest as we build a family-focused, outcomes-driven early learning system. Doing anything less will continue to leave far too many children--and our state--behind. Leveling the playing field to provide opportunity for all children in Washington is crucial for our collective future, and represents the call to action for this generation.
Read on for a glimpse into our report. Print a copy or request that we send you one. Read it. Tell your legislators how vital this investment is for Washington. The time to act is now. Please join us!
Jill Sells, MD and the Reach Out and Read Washington team
| 
