spot_imgspot_img

Illinois literacy program expanding

spot_img

(The Center Square) – A literacy program continues to expand in Illinois.

The “Reach Out and Read Illinois” program will now be available in Winnebago County. Participating pediatricians give their patients a book following their checkups starting at six months old until they’re five.

Julie Bosma, president of the Rock River Valley United Way, said literacy programs are in need.

“We have 43 million Americans functionally illiterate,” said Bosma. “In Winnebago County, only 32% of our children are reading at grade level.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the program has a track record of preparing children for kindergarten.

“We all know that developing and educating our youngest at the most critical times in their lives is one of our foremost obligations,” Pritzker said Thursday in Rockford. “We owe every child growing up in Illinois the opportunity and resources they need to live a happy and healthy life.”

Taxpayer-funded grants of up to $10,000 are available from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Since its launch, the Reach Out and Read Illinois program has provided $170,000 to over 50 clinics both newly and currently implementing the program throughout the state.

Doctors have given Illinois families more than 180,000 books through the program.

“Our program strengthens the relationships between children and their caregivers and lays the foundation for early learning,” said Reach Out and Read Illinois Medical Director Dr. Mariana Glusman.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Republicans sweep Texas races statewide, school choice likely on the horizon

(The Center Square) – Texas voters overwhelmingly reelected Republicans...

Tennessee economists present rosy revenue picture

(The Center Square) – Tennessee's top economists presented different...

Casey disputes McCormick’s U.S. Senate win

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen Bob Casey Jr....

Helene: Federal legislation seeks $15B in assistance

(The Center Square) – Two bills have been filed...

Caddo Commission postpones allocating funds for community lighthouse project

(The Center Square) — The Caddo Parish Commission postponed...

House Speaker Johnson wins reelection handily in Louisiana’s 4th district

(The Center Square) — U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La....

Hernandez ahead in Phoenix city council race

(The Center Square) – Arizona state Sen. Anna Hernandez...

More like this
Related

Republicans sweep Texas races statewide, school choice likely on the horizon

(The Center Square) – Texas voters overwhelmingly reelected Republicans...

Tennessee economists present rosy revenue picture

(The Center Square) – Tennessee's top economists presented different...

Casey disputes McCormick’s U.S. Senate win

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen Bob Casey Jr....

Helene: Federal legislation seeks $15B in assistance

(The Center Square) – Two bills have been filed...