Dr. Danielle Erkiboni- REACH OUT AND READ -Assistant Medical Director for Pennsylvania
Last Thursday Dr. Danielle Erkiboni from Reach Out and Read, spoke to us about the work her organization is doing to promote the practice of using early reading as a developmental tool that promotes a familuratity and love of books and reading in infants . The programs stress the importance of being exposed to reading at a very young age as it instills use of books into the language development process.
Reach Out and Read is a national organization that started in 1989 and now has 6500 units around the country, and is reaching 1/3 of the countries' children, with plans to expand that to 1/2 the kids in the near future.
She stressed how important early exposure to reading is in the development of language skills, and works with parents , teaching them how to create special moments with their kids for reading. Helping them grow a love for reading is their main objective
Their focus is reaching out near the time of birth and staying with the children until pre-K enrollment, working with both the kids and the parents.
Danielle's main goal is to work to speed the word of this important aspect of child rearing.
Danielle brought examples of the books she uses covering many different ages, cultures, and languages.
Danielle and Sarah Kerry- Reach Out and Read regional coordinator.