“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” – Dr. Seuss
It turns out Dr. Seuss belongs in the doctor’s office as much as he does the library. Recent research into child literacy continues to show the importance of regular parent child reading in the early years. This time together promotes brain development and helps prepare young children for success in school.
And thanks to generous support from PNC Grow Up Great®, we’ve been able to implement a number of early reading initiatives, including our Prescription for Reading program. Through the Prescription for Reading program, doctors take advantage of a child’s regular check-up visits to teach parents about the importance of reading and early literacy development. The program also provides families with free children’s books.
"PNC has been a long-standing supporter of Cincinnati Children’s and the important work they do, especially in the community health and literacy sector,” said Kay Geiger, PNC regional president for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “It was a natural fit to continue our relationship by coming together in support of their Prescription for Reading program.”
Thanks to PNC, we now have special Literacy Nooks in three primary care waiting rooms – providing patients with a physical reminder of the importance of reading that is then reinforced by their doctor. PNC Bank employees will also have the opportunity to volunteer to read to children in these spaces and distribute books during pediatric visits.
Since 2004, PNC Grow Up Great® has been helping children, especially underserved children, beyond the classroom by supporting learning and social-emotional development at home and across communities through free resources and tools provided to parents, guardians, caregivers and neighborhood organizations.
We are so grateful to PNC for partnering with Cincinnati Children’s in this important work.