Early Brain and Child Development
Reach Out and Read Arizona
The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is the Reach Out and Read Arizona Affiliate (RORAZ). Reach Out and Read Arizona was incorporated in 2002 to promote early childhood literacy and school readiness. Doctors, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read’s evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the six-month checkup and continues through age five, with a special emphasis on supporting children in low-income communities.
This program is implemented across the country and 14 nationally-peer reviewed studies show that families served by Reach Out and Read read together more often, their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills and the children are better prepared to achieve their potential.
Operating out of 200+ sites throughout the state, 1600 Reach Out and Read Arizona providers distribute more than 160,000 books to 120,000 children and families in Arizona.
Developmental Screening
This committee works to ensure that all children receive optimal developmental screenings and are assessed and provided services when needed. Committee members evaluate screening tools to ensure members have to most up to date methods and support members through training and technical assistance.