Families are given a new book gift at important milestones in their child's life as part of a healthy childhood. Starting with a book given at a prenatal visit with an OB/GYN, midwife, or doula (Waiting for Baby), when a family welcomes an infant (via birth, adoption, or foster) (Welcome Baby), at 8 well-child visits from 2 months to 4 years, and finally as a gift when a child enters kindergarten (Welcome to School Book), 11 new age-appropriate books are given to all families with young children in the county. Each book is given by a professional--a doctor, nurse, or teacher--with information for families on the importance of early reading experiences and ideas to take home about establishing a family read-aloud routine.

Family Reading Partnership solicits funding for each book and the operating costs of the program. Books are labeled with a nameplate for the child that acknowledges the funder and the medical practice or school where the family received the book gift. Books are then delivered to each provider for distribution. Book titles are chosen carefully to have engaging text and illustrations that are just right for the age of the child so that families have a pleasurable read-aloud experience and want to read together more!

• Prioritize early childhood literacy among medical providers as a social determinant of positive health and wellness outcomes.
• Encourage parents to make books and reading aloud a special part of everyday life for their children.
• Provide a high-quality, age-appropriate, and diverse library of books for every child to call their own.
• Increase positive family and child interaction.
• Connect families to local literacy resources including libraries and other FRP programs.
• Create a common book experience for all children in our community.
• Ensure that all children in our community enter school ready to learn.

--The first years of life are critical for brain development.
--Of all the activities families do with their children, few will have as powerful an impact on development as time spent together with books and reading aloud!
--Taking a child on a lap and sharing a story:
• forms a special bond
• increases vocabulary
• develops attention span
• awakens imagination
• develops a love for books
• shows children the world
• lays the foundation for reading and all of life's education