PASADENA, Texas – KPRC 2 knows how important books and reading are for early childhood development.
Statistics show children who have access to books early in life do much better in school later on. But statistics also show that Latino and Black children have fewer books in the home and access to reading than their Asian and White counterparts.
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KPRC 2′s Sofia Ojeda caught up with one Harris Health Clinic in Pasadena that is working to change this by giving free books to kids at their yearly wellness exams.
Denia and her 18-month-old daughter Yicel were all smiles when they received their first children’s book at the Harris Health Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center in Pasadena.
“It’s pretty fun to see them grab the book, take it, open it, play with it,” says Dr. Ana Monterrey of the Harris Health Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center. “Kids really learn best by caregivers who talk to them a lot. And so the book can be a really important tool for them to develop their language, to learn new words. And especially in bilingual households we really want families to encourage both languages.”
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In collaboration with the non-profit, Reach Out and Read, the Harris Health System can provide kids free books during their well visits beginning in infancy up to 5 years old.
Reach Out and Read partners with clinics all across the country focusing on underserved communities.
In Pasadena, the response from families has been overwhelming and making a difference.
“I hope that by reading the books they can build strong relationships as well with their caregivers and the people around them,” says Dr. Monterrey. “Reading is a great way to bond, and we know how important that is for kids in the future. But also, yeah, seeing characters and stories of like, I could be that in the future. I could do that when I’m a grown-up.”
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“We monitor for language and developmental milestones at each of our checkups,” adds Dr. Monterrey. “And there are certain things we expect them to be doing at certain ages. And so we talk about how important the book can be to help develop those milestones.”
The new books also help patients and caregivers enhance their reading skills and help them learn English right along with their children.
The Harris Health Clinic in Pasadena always accepts new book donations and money to help buy more books. Learn more and donate by clicking here.