Based on the theory that Reading Early Accelerates Development, R.E.A.D.
focuses on the importance of reading primarily to newborns, infants, and
young children.
The mission of this program is to ensure that literacy promotion is a
standard part of paediatric primary care. Doctors and nurses alike will
continually advise parents about the importance of reading aloud to
their children during the early years. While mother and baby are still
in the hospital following birth, both parent and newborn will be
presented with the child's very first book. In addition, books will be
given to children at their individual paediatric check-ups. There is
also a special focus on children who are growing up in poverty, with the
hopes that they too will be exposed to literacy in their early years
when this might not otherwise be possible. The program implementation is
expected to occur in November, 2003.
- It establishes the joy of reading early, emphasizing it as a continued part of life for every new mother, father and their child
- It teaches parents the proper reading techniques used for infants and small children
- It provides the baby with their first book as a start towards a regular reading program
- It promotes the importance of education and literacy in today's society
The program will operate under the assistance of various high-school and
library volunteers as well as being overseen through the invaluable
support of the postpartum unit employees and paediatricians. The program
will operate at Metropolitan Hospital in Windsor and at various
paediatricians' offices throughout the city. These paediatricians are:
- Dr. Armour
- Dr. Burey
- Dr. Galiwango
- Dr. Hahn Lee
- Dr. Mok
- Dr. Chick
- Dr. Morgan
- Dr. Zaher
High-school students will play a part in the distribution and collection
of materials at the various paediatric offices. After school hours, they
will volunteer their time to ensure patients of the doctors will pick up
the appropriate reading packages and books at their visits, and that
these materials are safely returned. These volunteers will be from
Walkerville, Herman, Riverside & Brennan high schools.
Trained hospital volunteers would also assist in this program through
reading to children who are contained within the paediatric ward. This
way, children are not losing out on the benefits and joys of reading
merely because they are sick. These volunteers, who already work at the
hospital, would be given buttons so they could be identified as
assistants of the R.E.A.D. program. A drop-off room will be available
within the hospital for parents to rid themselves of books that their
children have already had the pleasure of enjoying. This way the
volunteers that are to read to the sick children can continually have
access to a vast array of children's literature. It is encouraged that
any members of the community do take their children's books that are no
longer in use to the hospital, since these treasures can really brighten
an ill child's day.
We hope that because of this program, children will enter school
prepared for success and with the ability to reach their individual
potential. It is our wish that they will continue on the path of
furthering their education, knowing that books truly give them
“Universal Access to the Universe of Ideas”.
Although the Foundation has received donations from various
organizations, additional funding is still required to ensure that the
program gets put into practice as soon as possible and maintains itself
as an effective addition to the medical environment. Any donations,
large or small, are greatly appreciated so please help support this
fantastic initiative. Just think; your donation could be making the
difference in a child's development and life!
For further information, please contact:
Mrs. Kaysandra Curtis
(519) 944-5117