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Washington, DC – United States Congressman Donald M. Payne introduced today H.R. 4449, Prescribe a Book Act. This piece of legislation would authorize federal funding for pediatric early literacy promotion.
An extensive body of research now clearly demonstrates the importance of promoting early language and literacy skills in preparing children for later success in reading and in school. However, large numbers of children still do not receive the support and assistance they need to develop these essential skills and begin kindergarten ready to learn.
Congressman Payne stated, “There has emerged over the last decade a powerful and effective new approach called Reach Out and Read (ROR) which promotes early language and literacy development and school readiness. Through this program, pediatricians and other healthcare providers guide and encourage parents to read aloud to their children right from the early years of life, sending them home from each doctor visit with a prescription to read aloud together. It is time to recognize and support this innovative strategy.”
The Reach Out and Read program has enjoyed congressional and presidential support since Fiscal Year 2000. The Prescribe a Book Act will codify and expand upon this support by authorizing a five-year $85 million federal pediatric early literacy grant program. It will train doctors and nurses to provide low-income parents with age-appropriate reading tips and advice about the importance of reading aloud to their children as well as give these parents a children’s book at every wellness visit.
“Reading is vital for academic as well as lifelong success. For youth, the ability to read affects language and cognitive development. It also counters school absenteeism, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. For adults, the ability to read can greatly affect one’s economic potential. H.R. 4449 will support this vital initiative.”
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