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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

Local Kansas City Resources

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.

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.


Scholastic Learn At Home

Our partners at Scholastic have created a free Learn at Home environment with day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.

Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood 

Our friends at Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood have put together a comprehensive list of screen-free activities. 

Department of Education

Talk, Read, and Sing together every day! A resource guide for families from the Department of Education.

Free Audio Book Library

An actual trip to the library might be on hold for the next few weeks but most libraries offer free audio books for download. Having a book for a child to listen to while they color is a great activity that feeds their imagination. This site has 200 free resources available for download.

What Are the Animals Doing Today?

Many zoos and aquariums have switched on the LIVE web cam! Check out The Kansas City Zoo's live feed to see what the animals are up to.

Early Literacy Resources in Spanish

  • Wide Open School, a collection of online learning experiences and activities for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense Media
  • Our partners at Scholastic have created a free Learn at Home environment with day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.
  • Switcheroozoo Watch, listen, and play games to learn all about amazing animals.
  • PBS Kids and PBS LearningMedia Hang out with your favorite characters all while learning.
  • Sesame Street  Find a variety of games, coloring pages, videos, and learning resources
  • StarFall Fun activities for Pre-K and younger to practice literacy, emerging phonics and reading at home.
  • Fun Brain Play games while practicing math and reading skills.
  • Tinkergarten At Home educational DIY activities and virtual Tinkergarten classes to foster at-home learning that is easy and fun.
  • Talk, Read, and Sing together every day. Resource guide for families from the Department of Education

COVID-19 Resources

As schools and programs across the nation close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, 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.

Click here for tips for parents on How Books Help Children Cope with Stress
Click here for tips for parents on How Books Help Children Cope with Stress in Spanish
Here you can find guidance from National Reach Out and Read regarding infection control measures for gently used and new book

Reach Out and Read provides a simple reminder that spending time together with books can offer a safe harbor, even if just for a few moments.  

To support social distancing, join us for ROR-KC Virtual Storytime episodes that you can enjoy from your home featuring ROR-KC staff, volunteers and special guests! View the storytimes on all of our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Click here to view!

Use the hashtag #ReadTogetherKC to share your own virtual storytimes and at-home reading pictures with us. We want to see you reading!

DisneyMagicMoments: Disney Parks Honor Medical Workers Around the ...












Join ROR-KC in saying THANK YOU to doctors, nurses and medical professionals by writing a letter, drawing a picture, making a card, or sending an email! Please send your e-thank you to Ellen Quinn at equinn5@kumc.edu. If you would like your letter or drawing to go to a specific clinic, please designate on your letter or e-mail. Your messages will be delivered to health professionals who need our support and gratitude now more than ever.

Send your THANKS to:
 
Reach Out and Read KC
3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1051
Kansas City, KS 66160

E-Books on Coronavirus

Many of us have been searching for the words to deal with our own anxieties and trying to do the same in an honest, but calm way for children. Here are some e-books to talk with children about the virus in caring ways.





Coronavirus: A Book for Children by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson and Nia Roberts












COVID-19 Helpers by Beth Bacon and Kary Lee
















We Are Going to Be O.K. by Leigh-Ann Webb, Ebony Jade Hilton, and Ashleigh Corrin Webb













Together: Living Life During COVID-19  by Kevin Poplawski and Michael Rausch













Bray Bray Conquers The Coronavirus by by Ashley Maxie-Moreman and Joanah Whitely














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. 

Summer Reading Programs 2020

Books open new worlds to children. This summer encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with these incentive programs from local libraries and businesses below. Don't forget to use the hashtag #ReadTogetherKC so we can see and share what you are reading!

Below is a list curated by KC Parent and is redistributed with permission. 

Summer Reading Programs.png

Kansas City Library Summer Reading Programs:

Reading and listening to books and stories will open children's minds to the fun of adventure with "Imagine Your Story" the theme of the 2020 Library Summer Reading Programs across the Kansas City area.

Mid-Continent Public Libraries

From May 26 through July 31, the Mid-Continent Public Libraries Summer Learning Program will take place for kids and teens from birth to 19 years of age, and adults over 19. Kids (ages 0-12) and teens (ages 13-18) will have the opportunity to accumulate points to earn books and a chance to win great prizes from the Library's Community Partners by participating in Library programs, completing fun activities at home, and reading books of their choice.

Johnson County Libraries - Summer Reading for Everyone (Adults too!)

Imagine your story and ignite your curiosity this summer. Join us for fun and interactive programs, exciting workshops, and special events that span all the genres your family loves, including fairy tales and fantasy. Summer programs will take place online in June and July. Join us June 1-5 for our Summer Reading Virtual Launch! Summer Reading wraps up Saturday, August 8 with our End-of-Summer Celebration, an all-day virtual event. Visit jocolibrary.org/summerreading for more information.

Olathe Public Libraries

Olathe's Imagine Your Story Summer Reading 2020: Virtual Summer Reading Program Explore the world of stories this summer with the Olathe Public Library. Fairy tales, folk tales, funny stories, scary stories, adventures, mysteries, and so much more. Open a book and discover a new world! All ages can track their reading online this summer to win prizes. Create your account and start logging titles today.

North Kansas City Public Libraries

During North KC Public Library Summer Reading Program, kids (birth-5th grade) are encouraged to read and log minutes to earn rewards. Complete five logs to get a ticket to our summer reward party at Macken Park, where we'll have food, prizes, and lots of entertainment! For each log you complete after log 5, you'll earn a chance in a raffle drawing.

Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Program running online June 1st-July 31st, 2020: This year, our summer reading program registration and logs are all online. Participants will be able to log their minutes read and complete online activities to be eligible to win a prize pack and be entered into our grand prize drawing. Sign up now for KCKPL Summer Reading Program.

Kansas City Public Libraries

Stay tuned for information on Kansas City Library's Summer Reading Program.

Bonner Springs Public Library

Stay tuned for information on Bonner Springs Public Library Reading Program.

Cass County Public Library

From June 1st to August 1st, kids, teens, and adults can earn books and other prizes at their local Cass County Public Library branch. Whether it's reading books, listening to eAudiobooks through Libby, or checking out DVDs, patrons of all ages can IMAGINE THEIR STORY this summer! The last day to redeem prizes is Saturday, August 1st! Visit www.casscolibrary.org/SRP to sign up.

Summer Reading Programs at Kansas City area Businesses:

Summer Reading is also encouraged at businesses across the Kansas City area. Kids earn terrific prizes and incentives after completing their reading goals at these businesses:

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards

Children may earn free play points for reading. Download this and more rewards charts for good habits at https://www.chuckecheese.com/deals-offers/rewards-calendars

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Program

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Program features great activity pages and incentives if you read 15 minutes a day and log your minutes. http://b.hpb.com/fyb/

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

May 4 - Sept. 4, get ready for an all-new Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza experience! This year, kids can build their avatar, make new friends, earn virtual rewards, and help unlock donations for kids with limited or no access to books by starting and keeping reading streaks in Scholastic Home Base when they read every day over the summer! www.scholastic.com/summer/

Sylvan Book Adventure

Ongoing free reading incentive program for K-8 students. They read books, take a comprehension quiz and earn points. They redeem points for prizes. www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx

Diverse Book Recommendations

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

We Need Diverse Books is compiling resources from members of our community on race, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion.

Organizations

Book Recommendations

Black-Owned Bookstores

Further Reading and Educational Resources