Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud to children from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. ROR works with medical providers at Washington, D.C. area health clinics, where books are given to children at pediatric check-ups. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, ROR helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.