Reach Out and Read Needs $$ To Expand

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Utah's Reach Out and Read program is asking lawmakers for $200,000 of ongoing funds to help fight illiteracy among the more than 100,000 children considered at-risk in Utah.

Dr. Wendy Hobson-Rohrer, Medical Director of the Reach Out and Read program, says introducing books to children during the pre-kindergarten years can help decrease school truancy and drop-out rates. Evaluating a child's early literacy progress has become a standard part of pediatric care during well-child visits. Hobson-Rohrer says the money would be used, in part, to purchase and provide books to low-income families with young children.

Listen to a conversation about Reach Out and Read here.

Visit the Reach Out and Read website.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2009 KCPW