Resource Center

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Parent and Caregiver Resources

As a parent, the best gift you can give to your child is the gift of reading.  Kansas City has a number of great resources available to you to help select appropriate books, develop strong cognitive and language skills for your child, and connect to local resources for additional support. 

The following resources were provided by the National Reach Out and Read Center:

• Milestones of Early Literacy Development - Download a copy of the
  

English Version or the Spanish Version

• Choosing Books For Children

Local Kansas City Resources

• Talk - Read - Play With Your Child Every Day
• Kansas City Public Library
• Literacy Kansas City (Adult Literacy Services)
• Mid-Continent Public Library
  

Resources for Medical Providers

Medical Provider Resources

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, promotion of optimal early brain and child development is essential for the health and well-being of children. During these critical first few years of life, safe, stable, and nurturing relationships are critical to healthy brain development.

Participation in the Reach Out and Read Program has proven to build better brains and enhance language development. Refer to the research and guidance below for the latest news and information on book sharing and anticipatory guidance.

• AAP Early Brain and Child Development Initiative
• Training and Continuing Education for Reach Out and Read Providers provided by Reach Out and Read National Center
• Incorporating Books into Well-Child Visits
• Complete your Online Reach Out and Read Provider Training (must have Reach Out and Read issued username and password)

Become a Reach Out and Read Provider

If you are interested in joining the Reach Out and Read Program in the Kansas City Metropolitan area please submit your application today.

Online Resources Are Available

As schools and programs across the Greater Kansas City area close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many parents and caregivers are seeking ways to support learning outside of the classroom. It is during these times of anxiety when children are most in need of a secure environment and opportunities for one-on-one engagement with a loved one. Please see below some of our favorite resources to add to your activities at home.

COVID-19 Resources

E-Books on Coronavirus

Digital Volunteering

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to provide an opportunity for you to volunteer virtually. It is more important than ever for families, and especially young children to build healthy routines that provide comfort and a sense of order when so much in the world seems chaotic. 

Join our #ReadTogetherKC challenge to help ease children's anxieties from the pandemic. By making reading a daily activity, we help every child have the healthy foundation they need for success. Every Thursday at 12:30 p.m., we are posting an ROR-KC Virtual Storytime on all of our social media platforms. Thank you to all of our readers that have participated so far-including Gary Lezak, Jenny Matthews On-Air, Aja James, ROR-KC Board Members, community members and more!

To participate: 
1.) Please choose one children's book to read.

2.) Then introduce yourself/your role within the community. Please then explain why our mission is needed now more than ever during this time. Then record yourself reading your chosen book! The easiest way to record yourself is to prop your phone against something sturdy so it does not fall or have someone else record for you. HAVE FUN! 

3.) Once you are finished, please email video to equinn5@kumc.edu or utilize Dropbox to send your video to our Dropbox account at reachoutandreadkansascity@gmail.com if the file is too large. 

Diverse Book Recommendations

Nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books has a comprehensive list of children's literature focusing on race, equity and inclusion.