Reach Out and Read

?? Love fuels learning. In our latest #StartingEarly newsletter, we explore how nurturing relationships in early childhood shape lifelong well-being and success—and the consequences when those connections are missing. We talk with Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, to discuss insights from her new book Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. She highlights the power of love and connection in education—and why it’s essential for children to thrive. ?? We also examine the barriers families face—distraction, stress, social isolation, and limited paid leave—and explore solutions that can make a real difference. As Isabelle reminds us: "Love is more than a feeling or an emotion. It’s an essential active force that shapes how we connect. Love is tied to the deep, responsive relationships that fuel the brain, development, resilience, and lifelong well-being." ?? Read on to learn why relationships matter more than ever: https://lnkd.in/eE-s8WYM

Mark your calendars for “Strategies for Addressing Adverse Childhood Events in Your Practice,” a webinar series hosted by the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. On March 20, Bako Orionzi, M.D. leads “Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a Safe Space within Your Practice,” featuring practical methods for identifying and addressing ACEs. On April 17, Reach Out & Read Illinois and other community partners discuss collaboration and resilience-building in pediatric care in “Resilience Through Connection: Leveraging Community Partnerships to Mitigate ACEs” Save your spot to learn more about trauma-informed, resilient care for every child!

Register for the 2025 Weitzman Institute Virtual Symposium: Mental Health Matters, at chc1.co/symposium2025 and explore primary care’s challenge of dismantling persistent inequities and recreating and advocating for a more just healthcare system that better meets the needs of its diverse workforce, patients, and communities. Plus, earn up to 4.5 CME/CEs at no cost! See you there! #policy #research #clinicalpractice #primarycare #mentalhealth

“If we continue to prioritize efficiency over relationship, we create a new kind of haves and have-nots, those divided by access to other people's attention.” In a world where human interaction has become a luxury, how do we ensure meaningful connections are available to all, not just those who can afford them? In the conclusion of an interview on the #RORPodcast, Allison Pugh, author of “The Last Human Job,” outlines the risks of relying on "better than nothing" solutions like AI in place of real, human connection — and why addressing inequities in care and attention is more urgent than ever. Listen to her conversation with host Dr. Dipesh Navsaria: https://lnkd.in/eANzHx8H or wherever you listen.

What gives Claudia Aristy hope? ?? “The power of human connection and Early Relational Health.” From a young mother finding support at Children of Bellevue to leading programs that guide parents in building bonds with their own little ones, Claudia has seen firsthand how transformational those early, loving moments can be. As the member of our National Board of Directors tells Einhorn Collaborative, these connections are "a gift that keeps on giving, because children who grow up in an environment where they feel loved, secure, safe, and valued will continue to promote these sentiments in their communities with their own children." https://lnkd.in/gfWwVMPm

“Is it hard? Yes. Is it tiring? Yes. Do we still keep showing up? Yes.” That must-do spirit carried through the Einhorn Collaborative's Early Relational Health Funders Summit, where parent leaders, funders, and practitioners came together to reflect on what it means to build strong, nurturing relationships between children and caregivers. From early literacy and school readiness to maternal and infant health and public policy, the conversations made clear: Early Relational Health thrives when we center trust, belonging, and community voice. https://lnkd.in/d_Uga46j

Looking for book recommendations to support heritage months, literacy initiatives, and seasonal themes? Our curated booklists are a great resource to share with clinics, colleagues, and caregivers! From Black History and National Poetry Months to World Readaloud and Indigenous People's Days, our Books team selects age- and culturally appropriate stories that inspire literacy, spark connection, and reflect the diverse experiences of the families we serve.

Read Across America isn’t just a week — it’s a yearlong movement to inspire a love for reading in children. ??? The National Education Association offers resources, activities, and book recommendations to help educators, families, communities, and anyone involved in early literacy make reading exciting and meaningful for children. From diverse booklists to event ideas, guest reading tips, and storytelling guides, there’s something for everyone! One example: Kwame Alexander’s "The Crossover" story concert will blend poetry and jazz to bring storytelling alive in a new way. Find it and so much more: nea.org/readacrossamerica.?

"Even before infants can use language, they may understand caregiving as an abstract intuitive theory with some features in common with how adults think about caregiving. In particular, infants understand care relationships as intimate, altruistic, and asymmetric.”

"Reading is crucial for empathy, cultural understanding, and tackling complex topics. Likewise, reading helps to develop speech and assists in developing a child’s vocabulary. It’s a lifeline — unlike trigonometry, reading is a daily necessity." Tanisia M. believes books can transform lives. She writes stories — like “I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams” and “When Black Girls Dream Big” — that both reflect Black children and build empathy and understanding in all readers. Inspired by "the power of a story to linger in [her] mind long after the last page," she became an author dedicated to creating that same magic for young readers. This #BlackHistoryMonth, let’s recognize the authors who are reshaping children’s literature for a more inclusive future.