Research shows that the two things that parents can do to promote optimal development in their infants/toddlers is regular bedtimes and daily reading. Only one third of our states at risk children are being read to on a regular basis. Nationally, 34% of children start kindergartners without the language skills they need to be able to learn to read. Wisconsin has the worst disparity rates in educational achievements of any state in the nation.

This is the Third Annual Meeting for Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, the state coalition of the national, evidence-based early literacy program. We seek to further educate our providers (from our 101 programs throughout the state located in pediatric and family medicine clinics) on the issues of early literacy development, and working with special populations.

Learning to read is a life-long skill which impacts school performance, positive community engagement, employability and life-long health. When medical providers understand that future reading success is directly linked to age appropriate infant and toddler language development, they will be better equipped to capitalize on the unique role and potential impact they can have in this crucial area.

Our program is aimed at medical providers whose clinics participate or are in application with the national, evidence-based early literacy program Reach Out and Read. We aim to deepen their knowledge and thought processes around the well-child visit, language development, strengthening their relationships (and impact) with their Latino patients, and how to strengthen their own skills in teaching parents how to engage with their child over a book.

The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 4.0 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.