OAISD AND READY FOR SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES FREE BOOKS TO CHILDREN
Holland, MI – Ottawa Area ISD and Ready for School (RFS) worked together in support of the Reach Out & Read (ROR) program to provide developmentally appropriate and diverse books to over 4,000 children up to age five and their families visiting participating pediatric clinics in the Ottawa area.
Reach Out and Read leverages the near-universal reach of the pediatric well-child visit, using children’s books and shared reading to support parents and caregivers in fostering early literacy and healthy relationships with their infants and young children. The only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Reach Out and Read annually serves 4.4 million children and families across every state in the country.
Maureen Schmidt, M.Ed., IMH-E®, Director of Early Childhood Services for OAISD, said the Reach Out & Read Michigan program through Ready for School mirrors Ottawa Area ISD’s dedication to educational excellence and equity by ensuring every child has the foundation to thrive in school and beyond.
“This evidence-based approach fosters parental involvement and language development and strengthens family bonds through the simple act of reading together,” Schmidt added. “OAISD is proud to be a part of the Reach Out & Read Michigan program to provide developmentally appropriate and diverse books and help light the spark of curiosity and knowledge in local children and their families.”
“I am very thankful for our partnership with Ottawa Area ISD to help promote early literacy and empower children and families in our community,” Amanda Rios, Program Specialist for Reach Out and Read Michigan and Ready for School Office Manager, said. “The commitment of the over ten healthcare providers integrating the Reach Out and Read program is remarkable! I look forward to continuing our partnership and making an even greater impact on local families.”
Rios added with the additional funding now all children up to age 5 will receive books at well-child visits.
Participating office InterCare Community Health Network Chief Medical Officer Lisa Fink, MD said they are proud to be a part of the Reach Out and Read program. She added the developmental benefits of building a positive relationship with books is profound for kids. Even if the child is not yet reading, there are opportunities to strengthen the parent-child bond and establish healthy habits.
Lana Zarlenga, MD at InterCare said she loves giving young patients a book and they enjoy getting them.
“The benefits go beyond helping with literacy and preparing for success in school. Parents appreciate the program also and often read the books with the child. Reach Out and Read is clearly a benefit for my pediatric patients,” Zarlenga said.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to early literacy and child development and made possible through MDE 32p6 grant funding,” Schmidt said. “By providing developmentally appropriate and diverse books to pediatric clinics in the Ottawa area, we are lighting the spark of curiosity and knowledge in children and their families.”
For more information, contact Michelle Ready 616.738-8940 x 4093 mready@oaisd.org
About Reach Out and Read:
Reach Out and Read is a national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of shared reading and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children. Reach Out and Read seeks to give all children an opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the society, particularly those facing systemic barriers to their ability to thrive. Learn more at www.reachoutandreadmi.org
About Ottawa Area ISD:
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) collaborates with local schools and communities to support the educational needs of individuals from birth through all ages in the Ottawa region. By pooling
resources and delivering services on a regional scale, Ottawa Area ISD efficiently provides essential programs and services to local K-12 public, charter, and parochial schools, as well as to families and adult learners, ensuring these offerings are both comprehensive and cost-effective. Visit www.oaisd.org to learn more.
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