NEWS  from
 Reach Out and Read
 Washington State
DECEMBER 2016
"Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, geography, ability, or family economics. High-quality early learning is a strategy proven to give kids what they need to thrive."
-Washington's Early Learning Action Alliance

As the end of the year approaches, I am discouraged by the challenges and growing inequities facing so many families across the state. At the same time, the twinkling lights now visible in homes and communities make me smile. They remind me that there is light and hope in this season, and always. We who care for children must claim it for them. We must remain laser-focused on supporting our youngest children and their families. We must work together to assure that all children in Washington, and across the nation, have a true opportunity to reach their full potential.

There is great challenge ahead, but just as much hope. Research and experience tell us what children and families need to thrive. Potential pathways toward that goal are being laid out in budget and policy proposals every day, including our Governor's proposals to increase support for Early Learning, and to create a new state agency focused on children, youth, and families. We are part of both of these efforts, as over 1,700 Reach Out and Read medical providers work each day to help the families of over 100,000 young children read together, and help children develop the skills so critical to their chances for success in life.

We are excited to have Reach Out and Read featured in Ask Amy's column, This year, put a "Book on Every Bed" for Christmas.  We would be honored if you joined her by supporting families in Washington, and you can donate directly to Reach Out and Read Washington State

Before 2016 ends, I hope each of us can briefly pause, breathe deeply, and try to enjoy what is beautiful around us. We must rest up for the hard work we will face in January and beyond, to assure the momentum in early learning, including Reach Out and Read, continues. Thank you for your shared commitment to our children.

 Jill Sells, MD & the Reach Out and Read Washington Team

IN THIS ISSUE
Support Reach Out and Read in Washington 

Governor's Budget Highlights Early Learning

Governor Inslee released his budget proposal for the 2017-2019 biennium last week. While the legislative session will be heavily focused on the need for K-12 investment, momentum continues forward to invest in Early Learning. Check out the Early Learning highlights which include Reach Out and Read. You can also see the Department of Early Learning's blog on the budget proposal. We are grateful for the Governor's emphasis on Reach Out and Read, alongside Home Visiting and ECEAP (state preschool). Together these investments help build a continuum of services from pregnancy through age 5, prioritizing supports for those furthest from opportunity.

Department of Children, Youth and Families

 A bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission was tasked last year with making recommendations on the creation of a new state agency focused on children, youth, and families. The final report, Improving the Well-Being of Washington State's Children, Youth and Families, was released in November, and Governor Inslee's budget proposal includes steps to create the new agency. 

"Putting services for children and families in one agency is a smarter, more effective and more efficient way to deliver the help they need to not just succeed, but thrive," says the Governor in the new policy brief about the agency. Read Transforming and Streamlining How We Serve Families and Help Children Thrive.

Reach Out and Read would be part of the new agency, providing a network of over 200 medical practices delivering an evidence-based program to a large number of the most vulnerable children and families in the state. See how these medical providers are uniquely situated to promote early child development through primary care, helping to address key goals of the Commission.


Give Hope, Give Books
 
There's nothing like cuddling up with a good book on a stormy winter day. As you plan your year-end giving, please consider making a year-end donation to support Reach Out and Read Washington State.

Each day in over 200 clinics across Washington State, medical providers experience the joy of placing a brand-new book in a child's hand at well-child checkups, knowing that doing so will transform that child's life. Reach Out and Read strengthens the bond between parent and child, and puts the child on a path of lifelong learning. Parents leave the checkup understanding how important they are to their child's development, and with the confidence and commitment to read together.  Over 100,000 children and their parents are now participating in Washington's Reach Out and Read program, and you can help us support families in 2017. 

Did you know?
  • Reach Out and Read programs are run voluntarily by doctors and other health-care providers, allowing most of our budget to go toward books and program support
  • The availability of books in a child's home is a great predictor of school success
  • All the books given by Reach Out and Read doctors are gifts to the children who receive them, and come with age-appropriate advice for parents and caretakers on how to make the most of time spent reading together
Your gift--large or small--is deeply appreciated and will help support young children across Washington State.

  
About Reach Out and Read Washington State

Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.  Our evidence- based proven program leverages the influence of children's doctors and makes literacy promotion  a standard part of well-child checkups from birth through 5 years. Reach Out and Read  supports parents as their child's first teacher and helps children be ready for  kindergarten. 
 
Through 207 programs in 31 counties, 1,700 medical providers serve an estimated  105,000 children and their families across Washington. Reach Out and Read
Washington State is part of Reach Out and Read, Inc., a national not-for  profit 501(c)3  organization.